"Rising star" Jindal gets top GOP speaking slot reserved for Bush

Washington, Jan24 (ANI): Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will headline the National Republican Congressional Committee's March fundraising dinner - a move sure to raise speculation that Jindal is trying to raise his national profile.

Jindal, a rising star in the Republican Party and a potential 2012 White House contender, will take the speaking slot that in years past belonged to former President George W Bush, Politico.com reported.

In an e-mail to donors on Friday, NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions wrote: "Bobby is a rising star and is a part of a new generation of leadership in our party. He has a budding record of success, having implemented sound, common sense business practices since he took office in 2007 and started rebuilding his great state."

Jindal has said he is only focused on running for re-election in Baton Rouge in 2011.

But in November the Louisiana Governor made a foray to Iowa, home of the presidential caucuses, so he's not doing much to tamp down the 2012 speculation. (ANI)