Republicans tap Indian American Jindal to counter Obama speech

Washington, Feb.12 (ANI): Republicans have zeroed into Indian American Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal to give their official response to President Obama's February 24 address to a joint session of Congress.

"Governor Jindal embodies what I have long said: the Republican Party must not be simply the party of 'opposition,' but the party of better solutions," the Washington Times quoted House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (Ohio Republican) as saying while announcing the party's decision.

After being defeated in last year's presidential elections, the Republicans have been searching for faces to carry their message, and for many, Jindal is an obvious choice.

Jindal, 37, the son of immigrants from India, is not only youthful, but has also amassed substantial legislative and executive experience.

He won Louisiana's governorship in 2007, and some Republicans thought he would have been a good vice-presidential pick for Senator John McCain in last year's election. He was a two-term congressman before winning the governorship.

Like Obama, Jindal has made ethics reforms a centerpiece of his own agenda in Louisiana.

Obama's address is similar to a State of the Union address, though it is not technically the same.

Jindal's response, a tradition for the party out of power, will be televised after Obama speaks. He will speak from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (ANI)