• By MICHELLE MILLHOLLON
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Oct 4, 2008 - Page: 1A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Republicans inside and outside Louisiana are using Gov. Bobby Jindal’s political muscle on the campaign trail.

Jindal recently traveled to Missouri and Mississippi to stump for two friends seeking office.

Back home in Louisiana, Jindal is contributing to the GOP cause by helping Republican candidates raise money and by offering his advice.

“This is something he’s stepped up and offered on his own, and we’re taking advantage of it,” said Roger Villere, chairman of the Republican Party of Louisiana.

The number of invitations the governor is getting indicates that he is the go-to guy for energizing the conservative base, Villere said.
In talking about his trip to Missouri, Jindal had more to say about the state’s search-and-rescue team than the longtime friend he went there to help.

Congressional candidate state Sen. Bill Cassidy said Jindal is active behind the scenes. He said the governor gives advice on pollsters, hosts private fundraisers and phones key national GOP figures.

“A lot of people supporting the governor are supporting me. It was a natural team if you will,” said Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge.

The governor also is a forgiving supporter.

Cassidy said no mention has been made of a letter he wrote in 2003 questioning Jindal’s ability to run the state.

In the letter, Cassidy wrote that Jindal “does not indicate that he is capable of the much harder job of governor.”

Cassidy based his opinion on Jindal’s job performance as head of the state Department of Health and Hospitals.

Jindal ran for governor in 2003 and lost to Kathleen Blanco in a runoff. He ran again last year and won.

Cassidy said the letter was written years ago and that he considers the Jindal administration to be very successful.