King Bobby Jindal of Louisiana

King Jindal of Louisiana

Yesterday, I received an email which I am sharing with you from the Louisiana Republican Party. They praised Governor Jindal as if he was the savior for doing the right thing.

It would not have taken a rocket scientist or a policy wonk to know that he was on the wrong side of the issue for weeks. Yes, he ultimately made the right decision although it is difficult to count the number of flip flops he made in the process.

The bottom line despite what the Louisiana Republican Party wants us to believe is--he made the right decision because he was being pressured to do so.

This was not leadership on his part although I am personally pleased he decided to listen to the people. Their outrage was palpable and the SMOR poll showing his incredible free fall and almost 90 percent of the people opposing the raise would be proof that a political neophyte would know he was being creamed.

Yet, we might never know what ultimately motivated him to change course.

Perhaps it was the recall. Perhaps it was the rally that was planned for the day before his “drop dead day on the veto”.

According to the Ind. “The final straw, however, was probably the rally organized by bayoubuzz.com publisher Stephen Sabludowsky scheduled for the state Capitol on July 7. On the eve of Jindal’s deadline to veto the bill, the last thing Jindal wanted voters and the local and national media to see was outraged protestors voicing their disillusionment. (After he finally vetoed the bill, the rally was canceled and Jindal’s recall petition pulled.)

Perhaps it was the many conservative and not-so-conservative media. In my view, it was definitely the energy and efforts of “every-day people” making certain that they were not going to be manipulated.

To be very clear, I am extremely pleased that Governor Jindal admitted one of his mistakes, made the right decision to veto very bad legislation and I will work very hard to ensure that the state moves forward during his administration.

But, for the Louisiana Republican Party to make him appear as if he is “King of the Hill” is pathetic spin. He was pushed up that hill by many and that hill is now a pile of rubble, not a tall strong land mass holding up a shiny city.

Here is the email from the Louisiana Republican Party:

What They Are Saying

About Governor Jindal’s Pay Raise Veto

Analysts

National Review’s Kathryn Jean Lopez: “Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal was handed a leadership test in June. He not only passed it with flying colors — he set an example for other leaders while doing so. … Bobby Jindal’s move on Monday wasn’t some procedural goo-goo move, it was about honesty and leadership.” (Kathryn Jean Lopez, “Jindal Leads,” National Review, 7/1/08)

Rush Limbaugh: “So Bobby Jindal took the time, did it right, and did the right thing. Vetoed the pay raise. They’re gonna love him even more in Louisiana, because no matter how little legislators get paid, everybody’s for their guy getting okayed but not anybody else’s. So congratulations to Governor Jindal.” (“Stack of Stuff Quick Hits Page,” Rush Limbaugh Show, 6/30/08)

Radio Host Lee Fletcher: “Governor Bobby Jindal did the right thing. He stepped up and took the lead. Governor Jindal took this bull by the horns and made the right decision. We are very appreciative and proud of this move. Governor Jindal kept his word and took a stand. Leadership is what the state called for and Jindal delivered.” (Lee Fletcher, “Big Time Applause For Jindal’s Leadership on Veto,” TownHallShow.com, 6/30/08)

Louisiana Action Council’s Brian McNab: “…Governor Bobby Jindal took a stand on Monday morning, listened to the will of the people and vetoed Senate Bill 672 … We applaud Gov. Jindal for taking strong action against this excessive legislative pay increase …” (Lee Fletcher, “Big Time Applause For Jindal’s Leadership on Veto,” TownHallShow.com, 6/30/08)

Louisiana State University Associate Professor Of Political Science Jeff Sadow: “Winners: Jindal. Yes, he may have in the future on some occasions rough times with the Legislature since he appeared to allow many of them to endanger their own political careers by permitting them to go the record as being for a raise and they will smart over that. But public opinion solidly on his side as a result of this veto will buttress his power to get his agenda through. It allows him to keep a campaign promise to oppose raises he called “excessive” and demonstrates he understands that as governor it also is his power and responsibility to prevent undesirable policy to be made when he can. Jindal’s news conference, in justifying his veto and retraction of his vow not to interfere in legislative affairs thereby signaling he intended not to veto it, showed he understands these points and has the political maturity and wherewithal to make the right decision, even when difficult.” (Jeff Sadow, “Jindal Veto: Louisiana Winners and Losers,” BayouBuzz.com, 6/30/08)

Democrat Political Analyst Brian Cespiva: “‘It’s a positive step, and I am very glad he did it,’ … ‘I don’t think there is anything negative you can say about it because he did the right thing,’ …” (Karina Donica, “Cenla applauds pay raise veto,” Alexandria Town-Talk, 7/1/08)

Rapides Parish Women’s Club’s Elizabeth Weber Levy: “‘I am delighted that he heard our voices and has vetoed the bill,’ … ‘He did acknowledge that it was a mistake, so I am happy twofold because I am glad he acknowledged a mistake and that he vetoed. That took a lot of courage,’ …” (Karina Donica, “Cenla applauds pay raise veto,” Alexandria Town-Talk, 7/1/08)

Political Consultant Allan Katz: “In the end, we may look back on this and say that this experience made Bobby Jindal a better, smarter politician and a better, smarter governor …” (Richard Hunter, “Katz: Jindal Had To Veto Pay Raise,” WRNO-99.5FM, 6/30/08)

Newspapers

Lafayette Advertiser Editorial: “We commend the governor for vetoing the pay-raise bill. Besides being grossly excessive, it would have completely overshadowed the good things the Legislature accomplished.” (Editorial, “Pay-raise veto was right thing to do,” Lafayette Advertiser, 7/1/08)

Lafayette Advertiser’s Warren Caudle: “Thank you Governor Jindal, it took a little while but you did the right thing. When he vetoed the legislative pay raise bill he took a lot of pressure not only off of him but the members of the legislature also. (Warren Caudle, “Good Job on the Veto,” Lafayette Advertiser Blog, 7/1/08)

New Orleans Times-Picayune Editorial: “Gov. Bobby Jindal stood by the public and his own principles Monday, vetoing an outrageous 123 percent pay raise … By vetoing this bill, he is keeping his promise to voters.” (Editorial, “The veto victory,” New Orleans Times-Picayune, 7/1/08)

Baton Rouge Advocate Editorial: “The veto of a legislative pay raise might not endear the governor to lawmakers. Nor will the vetoes of earmarks. But in both cases, he has demonstrated a concern for the public’s view on pay raises and its interest in responsibly spending tax money.” (Editorial, “Our Views: Good vetoes from Jindal,” Baton Rouge Advocate, 7/1/08)

Alexandria Town-Talk Editorial: “Gov. Bobby Jindal did the right thing on Monday.” (Editorial, “Voters won’t forget, forgive,” Alexandria Town-Talk, 7/1/08)

Louisianans

Ed Ralph: “Ed Ralph of Jackson Parish was happy to hear the news: ‘Thank you. Thank you. That’s wonderful,’ he said.” (Stephen Largen, “Residents respond to Jindal’s change of heart,” Monroe News-Star, 7/1/08)

Herb McCaskill: “When asked whether he would like to see Jindal as Sen. John McCain’s running mate, McCaskill said no. ‘I’d rather have him here,’ he said.” (Stephen Largen, “Residents respond to Jindal’s change of heart,” Monroe News-Star, 7/1/08)

Sue Peters: “I was delighted when I heard it, and I think the Governor has done exactly the right thing” (Scott Satchfield, “Voters say they’re relieved, but will remember those who voted for raise,” WWL-New Orleans, 6/30/08)

Rodney Clark: “Well I think he done the right thing because our economy right now can’t stand a double pay, they deserve a pay raise, but not a double pay raise.” (Scott Satchfield, “Voters say they’re relieved, but will remember those who voted for raise,” WWL-New Orleans, 6/30/08)

Wanda Cordova: “Stanley resident Wanda Cordova, 54, felt like ‘a weight had lifted off her chest’ Monday after hearing news of the veto, she said.” (Mike Hasten, “Jindal vetoes legislative pay raise,” Shreveport Times, 7/1/08)

Elected Officials

State Treasurer John Kennedy: “I applaud Governor Jindal’s decision to veto this pay raise. Once again, Governor Jindal stood on the side of taxpayers – just as he did in enacting ethics reform, standing strong against questionable earmarks, and signing into law one of the largest tax relief packages in Louisiana’s history.” (Press Release, “Kennedy Statement on Governor Jindal’s Pay Raise Veto,” John Kennedy for Senate, 6/30/08)

Senator David Vitter: “I applaud Bobby on his legislative pay raise veto. It was clearly the right thing to do. He has kept his campaign promise and stopped a truly offensive measure from going forward. Bobby has already passed dramatic ethics reform, job-creating tax cuts and workforce development, and real choice for families stuck in failing schools. I hope all legislators reject political games and join him in building on this people’s agenda…” (Chris Blalock, “Vitter Applauds Pay Raise Veto, CBS-5 Alexandria, 6/30/08)

House Speaker Jim Tucker (R-Terrytown): “I respect Governor Jindal’s veto of Senate Bill 672.” (Lee Fletcher, “Reaction from Lawmakers on Great Jindal Veto!” TownHallShow.com, 6/30/08)

Senator Jody Amedee (D-Gonzales): “I am happy the governor vetoed it and did the right thing. Now, the state can go forward.” (Lee Fletcher, “Reaction from Lawmakers on Great Jindal Veto!” TownHallShow.com, 6/30/08)

Representative Henry Burns (R- Haughton): “‘I praise the governor for vetoing the bill’ … ‘I am very excited that the cloud can be lifted and we can move forward now doing the business of the people.’” (Shelli Briery, “Lawmakers Speak Out On Governor’s Veto,” KTAL-Shreveport, 6/30/08)

Representative Mike Danahay (D-Sulphur): “He listened to the people of Louisiana and I think that’s what he based his decision on” … “We will continue to work to improve Louisiana any way that we can …” (Lee Peck, “SWLA Lawmakers Respond to Pay Raise Veto,” KPLC-Shreveport, 6/30/08)

Representative Franklin J. Foil (R-Baton Rouge): “I am glad the governor vetoed the bill … This issue has been a big distraction, and I am glad I can focus on the real issues of improving this state’s economy and better meeting the needs of the people in my district.” (Lee Fletcher, “Reaction from Lawmakers on Great Jindal Veto!” TownHallShow.com, 6/30/08)

Representative Brett Geymann (R-Lake Charles): “I’m not surprised. In fact, I’ve been saying from the beginning that I thought he was going to veto” … “We’re certainly not going to hold it against him over here. And we’re going to continue to work on the reform agenda. I’m glad it’s over because it’s overshadowed all the great things we’ve done in this past session…” (Lee Peck, “SWLA Lawmakers Respond to Pay Raise Veto,” KPLC-Shreveport, 6/30/08)

Senator Mike Michot (R-Lafayette): [Michot} said he welcomed Jindal’s veto and promised to work to keep the governor’s ‘reform agenda on track. Our citizens need to know that above all else we are responsive to their calls for action and that we understand what it means to be a public servant’ …” (Ed Anderson, “Jindal does about face, vetoes raise,” New Orleans Times-Picayune, 7/1/08)

Senator Michot: “… I thank the Governor for keeping the lines of communication open with his legislative leaders and for taking this necessary action” (Lee Fletcher, “Reaction from Lawmakers on Great Jindal Veto!” TownHallShow.com, 6/30/08)

Senator Willie Mount (D-Lake Charles): “I just sensed that maybe he would [veto the pay raise] and I’m glad he has” … “Let’s keep moving in the right direction and that is that is to make sure that we provide the very best service we can for the most cost effective way we can for the citizens of Louisiana” (Lee Peck, “SWLA Lawmakers Respond to Pay Raise Veto,” KPLC-Shreveport, 6/30/08)

Representative J. Rogers Pope (R-Denham Springs): “The people have spoken and he was a wise man to listen to the people …” (Will Sentell and Sarah Chacko, “Some area lawmakers agree with veto,” 7/1/08)

Representative Jonathan Perry (R-Abbeville): “I am relieved that this issue can now be put to rest and we can now reflect on the great accomplishments the legislature put forth.” (Lee Fletcher, “Reaction from Lawmakers on Great Jindal Veto!” TownHallShow.com, 6/30/08)

Representative Tom Willmott (R-Kenner): “‘I believe the Legislature underestimated the impact and importance of this issue,’ said Rep. Tom Willmott, R-Kenner, who also backed Jindal’s veto.” (Ed Anderson, “Jindal does about face, vetoes raise,” New Orleans Times-Picayune, 7/1/08)

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