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By AAKASH M. PATEL
Louisiana gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal made a brief stop in St. Petersburg on Sept. 20, just one month before his election. Jindal, the only Indian-American in Congress, attended a fundraiser at the home of Dr. Akshay and Seema Desai in St. Petersburg. Also in attendance to give his endorsement was Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. Congressman Jindal is considered to be the front runner in the Louisiana governor’s race. Now 36 and making his second bid for the governorship, Jindal is hoping voters see him more as a hard-working team player. To date, Jindal’s overall campaign contributions total more than $10 million with $105,000 being raised at Desai’s fundraiser.“I know how he feels just one month before an election,” Gov. Crist told the audience in his introduction speech. “It’s tough, but Bobby, you will be the next Governor of Louisiana.”During Jindal’s remarks, he thanked all 75 attendees and spoke about his election. If he gets 50 percent of the vote on Oct. 20, he wins the election, but anything less and a runoff will take place Nov. 17. “Florida is Louisiana’s sister state, and we’ve dealt with a lot of the same issues.” “I’ve got a 100 point plan that will benefit the citizens of Louisiana,” said Jindal.
Those such as Desai who have watched Jindal’s career believe that his years in Congress could serve him well if he gets elected governor. “Bobby is a young, dynamic, intelligent person,” said Desai in an exclusive interview with Khaas Baat. “He is a problem-solver, believes in good governance, and his skill sets will benefit the citizens of Louisiana.” Desai serves as a member of the Florida Board of Education.
Aakash M. Patel is secretary of the Indo-US Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and has been a Khaas Baat contributor since 2005. He can be reached at Aakash.M.Patel@gmail.com
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