Few Sparks in Blanco, Jindal Debate in Baton Rouge

Shreveport, LA, Times ^ | 10-21-03 | Morgan, Robert

[Theodore R.]

BATON ROUGE - The two candidates in the runoff for governor Nov. 15 broke no new ground Monday when they faced off before the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce in a breakfast debate labeled "Grits with the Governor."

But each lobbed some shots in individual press conferences after the event. Democratic Lt. Gov. Kathleen Blanco took aim at opponent Bobby Jindal, who lobbed a shot back not at her, but rather at his old boss, outgoing governor and fellow Republican Mike Foster.

[Theodore R.]

Blanco calls Jindal "immature." Jindal urges his patron Foster to stay out of the campaign. The institutional advantage rests with Blanco by 53-47, but Jindal is a go-getter and a good campaigner for one who has never before campaigned.

[Steely Glint]

Jindal is a real, honest-to-God genius, a problem solver, and a good manager.