Jindal, Crist make McCain’s VP list

• By MICHELLE MILLHOLLON
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: May 22, 2008 - Page: 1A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Gov. Bobby Jindal and his wife, Supriya, will spend Memorial Day weekend at GOP presidential candidate John McCain’s Arizona ranch, according to a press statement released Wednesday.

At least three Republicans mentioned as potential vice presidential running mates were invited to McCain’s ranch for the weekend. But a McCain aide told The Associated Press that the visit was social and not a vetting of possible running mates.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney are also on the guest list, according to the AP.

The visit adds a heavy dose of lighter fuel to recent speculation that the governor is on the short list of possible running mates.

Jindal did not respond to two requests for comment Wednesday.

However, his office released a statement that characterized the trip as an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the Gulf Coast region during the hurricane rebuilding.

“The Governor looks forward to joining Senator McCain and his other guests this weekend, and he values this as another opportunity to meet with a national leader, and the potential next President of the United States, to discuss issues important to the future growth of Louisiana,” the statement said.

The governor’s press secretary, Melissa Sellers, said the Jindals are leaving Friday for Arizona and returning Sunday.

Last week Jindal gave a speech before a National Rifle Association of America convention. Conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh and columnist William Kristol have mentioned Jindal as a possible running mate for the more moderate McCain.

In the past few weeks, Jindal, 36, has made a number of high- profile appearances, including a guest spot on “The Tonight Show.” Jindal snagged the appearance because of the speculation that McCain is considering him to be a running mate.

He downplayed the rumors when prodded by Jay Leno to talk about the vice presidency.

“I like the job I’ve got now,” Jindal said. “I’ve got the job I want.”

In a tongue-in-cheek speech on the Senate floor Wednesday, state Sen. Joe McPherson said he is not buying into Jindal’s denials.