Democrats tell Jindal: Debate or face tough ads

• By MICHELLE MILLHOLLON
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Aug 15, 2007 - Page: 1A

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The Louisiana Democratic Party gave U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal an ultimatum Tuesday.

The party plans to dissect Jindal in a series of TV commercials across the state unless he starts participating in governor’s forums.

“Who is Bobby Jindal? The Democratic Party is going to let you know and that starts today,” said Chris Whittington, the party’s chairman.

Through his campaign staff, Jindal, R-Kenner, declined four requests Tuesday for comment.

His campaign press secretary, Melissa Sellers, said Jindal was at a private event. She refused to say what the event was.

“He has no public events today. (He) is not available for comment. Period,” Sellers wrote in an e-mail.

Jindal’s campaign manager, Timmy Teepell, disputed the Democratic Party’s characterization of Jindal’s record.

Jindal is running against at least one other Republican, New Orleans businessman John Georges, as well as Democrats state Sen. Walter Boasso of Arabi and Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell of Bossier Parish.

The primary election is Oct. 20.

Jindal is considered by most political insiders to be the frontrunner in the race to replace Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who is not seeking a second term.

In 2003, Jindal lost to Blanco in a run-off election despite having the backing of then-Gov. Mike Foster.

The state’s Democratic Party membership is divided on a candidate to endorse in the current race, Whittington said.

“Some support Campbell. Some support Boasso,” he said.