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• The Republican Governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal, is the youngest governor in America at 37 years old.CBS News: Louisiana Governor To Be Youngest In U.S. (October 21, 2007) He's also the first Indian-American governor in United States history.Washington Post: Jindal Wins Louisiana Race, Becomes First Indian American Governor (October 21, 2007)

  Before being elected governor, Jindal was a member of Congress for Louisiana's 1st congressional district, elected in 2004 and reelected in 2006 with 88 percent of the vote. He is the second Indian American elected to Congress.http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/22/world/americas/22iht-22louisiana.7991675.html?_r=1

• Fast Facts

  1. Birth name: Piyush JindalWashington Post: Jindal Wins Louisiana Race, Becomes First Indian American Governor (October 21, 2007)
  2. Born: June 10, 1971
  3. Birth place: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  4. Political party: Republican
  5. Assumed office: January 14, 2008
  6. Lieutenant Governor: Mitch Landrieu
  7. Spouse: Supriya Jolly Jindal
  8. Previous position: Representative, 1st District of Louisiana
  9. Preceded by Kathleen Blanco
  10. Nickname "Bobby" inspired by an episode of The Brady BunchWashington Post: Jindal Wins Louisiana Race, Becomes First Indian American Governor (October 21, 2007)
  11. First non-white governor of Louisiana since ReconstructionWashington Post: Jindal Wins Louisiana Race, Becomes First Indian American Governor (October 21, 2007)
  12. Received 53% of the vote, avoiding a November runoffWashington Post: Jindal Wins Louisiana Race, Becomes First Indian American Governor (October 21, 2007)
  13. Second ever Indian-American elected to Congress
  14. Religion: Roman CatholicWashington Post: Jindal Wins Louisiana Race, Becomes First Indian American Governor (October 21, 2007)
  15. Vocal critic of the stimulus plan
  16. Finished second behind Mitt Romney in GOP pole for 2012 presidential electionCNN: Romney picked as 2012 GOP front-runner (February 28, 2009)

• Congressional Address Response

  Jindal delivered his party's response to President Barack Obama's address to a joint session of Congress on February 24, 2009. During his speech, Jindal criticized both parties: His own, for losing the public trust by going along "with earmarks and big government spending in Washington," and the Democrats for passing legislation that will "grow the government, increase our taxes down the line, and saddle future generations with debt."The Huffington Post: Bobby Jindal Speech Text: Criticizes Obama, Both Parties (February 24, 2009)

• Political Background

  Prior to being elected Governor, Bobby Jindal represented Louisiana in the House, filling the seat vacated by David Vitter who went on to be elected to the Senate.Washington Post: Jindal Wins Louisiana Race, Becomes First Indian American Governor (October 21, 2007)

  His career in Louisiana politics started in 1996, when he was appointed by then-Governor Murphy Foster to serve as secretary to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.Washington Post: Jindal Wins Louisiana Race, Becomes First Indian American Governor (October 21, 2007)

  His success at turning around the state's Medicaid program led to more appointments, culminating in 2001, when he was appointed by President Bush to the position of assistant secretary of health and human services for planning and evaluation.Official Site: Bobby's Experience

• Conservatism

  Since entering politics, Jindal has maintained a strongly conservative record, particularly on social issues.Real Clear Politics (TIME): What About Jindal? (May 22, 2008) He has consistently opposed abortion and stem cell research, and has supported the teaching of intelligent design in public schools.Washington Post: Jindal Wins Louisiana Race, Becomes First Indian American Governor (October 21, 2007)

• Running Mate Rumors

  Although Jindal was mentioned as a possible running mate for John McCain during the 2008 presidential election, he clearly stated that he was not interested in the position. When asked if he was interested, Jindal stated, "Let me be clear: I have said in every private and public conversation, I've got the job that I want. And I'll say again on air: I'm not going to be the vice presidential nominee..."FoxNews: Jindal Says He's Not Interested in No. 2 Spot With McCain (July 23, 2008) Bobby Jindal on Fox and Friends

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Louisiana | Kathleen Blanco | Republican Party | Huey Long | Kathleen Sebelius

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