Governor Jindal avoids reference to being Republican running mate

Washington, May 28 (UNI) Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who was with Republican presidential nominee John McCain along with two other potential vice-presidential candidates last weekend avoided any mention of the possibility of his being McCain's running mate.

"I have the job I want, and I love being governor of the state of Louisiana. I am confident that the Senator (McCain) will continue to help our state when he is elected President this fall and that he returned from the weekend with a great feeling for the future of our state," said Jindal who is the first Indian-American to become governor of a US state.

Later, in a statement, he said, he was honoured to join Presidential candidate John McCain and his wife, among other public officials and business leaders from across the nation, in Arizona this past weekend.

He said, this presented a great opportunity for him to continue working with Senator McCain to ensure that Louisiana received the federal aid "we need as we continue to rebuild from the storms of 2005, and to further show colleagues around the country that Louisiana is open for business." However, a section of the media quoted Jindal saying he has discussed a number of topics with the senator. But, "there was never any explicit talk whatsoever about a short list, about vice president, any of that," said Jindal.

Besides Jindal, others whom McCain invited as potential vice presidential candidate were Florida governor Charlie Crist and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.

UNI XC NC GC0730