Legislative briefs for April 23, 2008

• Advocate staff and wire reports
• Published: Apr 23, 2008 - Page: 6A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Jindal set to appear on Jay Leno show
Gov. Bobby Jindal is going national.

He’s scheduled to appear on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on Monday according to TV Guide.

The National Press Club in Washington, D.C., has Jindal scheduled to speak on Friday, May 2.

Jindal’s press staff confirmed the appearances Tuesday when asked for comment.

Jindal has been named by some conservative commentators as a possible running mate with presumptive Republican presidential nominee U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona. NBC’s public relations team, meanwhile, is billing the governor as “possibly being the vice presidential candidate on the Republican ticket” in November’s election.

Jindal has denied interest in the job.

Jindal’s press office said he’ll use the appearance to talk about his first months in office.

Jindal will share Leno’s couch with Helen Hunt, the Academy Award actress, and Duffy, the 23-year-old Welsh singer-songwriter, according to TV Guide. Leno’s show begins at 10:35 p.m. and airs locally on WVLA, NBC Channel 33.

Panel kills measure on campaign donors
A House panel Tuesday killed a bill that would have banned governors from appointing campaign donors to state boards and commissions.

Rep. Juan LaFonta, D-New Orleans, got no support from the House and Governmental Affairs Committee for his House Bill 81.

“Are we not punishing people for participating in a political campaign?” Rep. Tony Ligi, R-Metairie, asked LaFonta.

“You are talking about hundreds of boards,” said Rep. Erich Ponti, R-Baton Rouge. “I have grave concerns.”

LaFonta said the donation and subsequent appointment make it look like someone is giving money for a board appointment. He said that sends the wrong signal to constituents.