Gov. Bobby Jindal said he's staying out of the upcoming Senate race between Republican incumbent David Vitter and his Democratic challenger, Rep. Charlie Melancon. "Voters can make up their own minds," Jindal said.There are three ways to interpret this from where I sit.
The Republican governor said he does not get involved in federal races. However, Jindal was a special guest at a 2008 fundraiser for Baton Rouge Rep. Bill Cassidy's campaign.The governor also endorsed Woody Jenkins in his failed bid for Congress.
(1) Vitter's relatively old plus newer scandals = vulnerability, and the popular governor doesn't want to attach his name to a loser. Verdict: Highly unlikely.
(2) Jindal's moral and religious views prevent him from endorsing Vitter due to his, er, indiscretions. It's not personal or political; it's about principle, and the Gov would withhold his endorsement even if the race were close and the NRSC was leaning on him to help out. Then why the fudging on the "I don't do federal races" business? Verdict: Conceivable, maybe, considering Jindal's devoutness.
(3) Vitter's seat has been deemed so safe by national Republicans that the popular governor gets a pass on an endorsement that could haunt him down the road. Verdict: We have a winner.
Or am I missing another scenario?