New Orleans, La. - Governor Bobby Jindal and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty hit the campaign trail Thursday while Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney enjoys a little rest and relaxation with family.
Jindal and Pawlenty are traveling through Ohio and Pennsylvania for what some are calling the "shadow tour." The tour shadows President Obama's "Betting on America Tour."
Tulane Political Science Professor Thomas Langston says it's a tried and true strategy. However, he says while the pair was sent to counter Obama's message, Jindal's own message is keeping him in the spotlight as a potential Romney running mate.
"Bobby is making a statement by running around the country talking about the decision he's made," said Langston. He's referring to Jindal's decision to refuse the expansion of Medicaid in Louisiana.
Jindal talked about his stance Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press. "Look, Federal dollars aren't free," said Jindal. "Those dollars are coming from us, our children, our grandchildren, borrowing money from China to spend on programs we can't afford."
"I think Bobby Jindal, by declaring that he's not doing to accept the expansion of Medicaid for Louisiana, he's begun not only a national conversation, but we may see a political fire storm erupt in Louisiana," said Langston. Both could help raise his profile as a potential V.P. nominee.
"If that's what he wants," says Langston. "He refused recently, on Sunday morning talk shows, to say under no circumstances will I be Vice President. He had previously said that. Now Bobby Jindal is saying, I'm not talking about that."
Romney's wife confirmed on Thursday that her husband is also considering a woman for the position. Romney hasn't set a date for making a selection. He has only said it will be between now and the Republican National Convention set for August 27th in Tampa, Florida.
Photo: Office of the Governor
