Jindal: McCain, Bush visits give La. a forum

• By MICHELLE MILLHOLLON
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Apr 26, 2008 - Page: 13A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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The visits of two high-profile political figures gave Louisiana an important opportunity to speak to the nation, Gov. Bobby Jindal said Friday.

“Yes, we continue to need the nation’s help. But also tremendous progress has been made,” Jindal told the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters.

Jindal addressed the group during a luncheon at a downtown hotel.

Afterward, Jindal refused to speak to the media. His press secretary, Melissa Sellers, blocked a TV news crew as Jindal left through a side door.

Jindal later gave essentially the same speech to the Louisiana Press Association meeting in Lafayette.

Jindal talked a lot about the national media during his remarks.

He noted this week’s visits by President Bush and U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

Bush was in town for a private fundraiser after attending a summit in New Orleans.

McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, spoke to members of the Baton Rouge business community Thursday.
Jindal said the visits gave Louisiana the opportunity to make two points to the nation.

First, he said, there are ongoing hurricane recovery needs, including affordable housing and work on the wetlands.

Second, Louisiana wants to attract businesses and create jobs, he said.

Jindal talked about his plans for work-force development — one of his key initiatives during the ongoing legislative session.

He once again downplayed speculation that he is on a short list to be McCain’s running mate. He joked that the talk stems from Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu causing mischief.