Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has been picked to deliver the Republican response to Barack Obama's first of his four State of the Union addresses. Does this give Jindal the upper hand for 2012 to replace Jimmy Carter Part II...i.e. Obama? Here is the press release:
House Republican Leader John Boehner (OH) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) announced today that Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will give the Republican address following the President’s first address to Congress on February 24, 2009. The Governor will speak to the nation from Baton Rouge, LA.
In making the announcement, Leader Boehner noted the Governor’s leadership and innovation in public service:
“Gov. Jindal embodies what I have long said: the Republican Party must not be simply the party of ‘opposition,’ but the party of better solutions. His stewardship of the state of Louisiana, dedication to reforming government, and commitment to bringing forth new and innovative ideas make him a leader not just within the Republican Party, but in our nation as a whole.”
Sen. McConnell said the Governor personified reform and recovery, saying he was a strong choice to offer the Republican address:
“Gov. Jindal’s leadership during a time of recovery in Louisiana, his commitment to real government reform, and his protection of hardworking American families make him an excellent choice to offer Republican solutions for the challenges which lay ahead.”