Gov. Jindal Shows Louisiana The (Federal) Money

Gov. Bobby Jindal, Republican governor of Louisiana, has been making a concerted effort to recapture the national spotlight. Once a popular, rising star of the Republican Party, he has been largely absent from the national scene after a disastrous showing in his party's response to President Obama's address to congress in February.

On Monday of this week he published an article in Politico blasting the Obama Economic Stimulus package as well as the healthcare reform packages currently making their way through the Congress.

Today's Wall Street Journal published another piece by Jindal, this one focusing exclusively on what he believes to be wrong with the current healthcare reform efforts.

Gov. Jindal is making sure he keeps his public image up in his home state of Louisiana as well.

After publicly saying he might not accept federal stimulus money for Louisiana because it would be irresponsible to do so, Jindal presented a check for slightly over $500,000 in grants to Vernon Parish on Sunday. This check included $371,219 directly from President Obama's stimulus. $150,000 comes from a Community Development Block Grant, and the other $331,219 comes from 2 Byrne/JAG grants also created as part of the stimulus package.

Jindal made no mention of the source of the money during his presentation at Anacoco's Town Hall. Instead, the large ceremonial check proclaimed the source of the funds to be "The State Of Louisiana, Office Of The Governor."

Jindal has been making a "walking tour" of Louisiana parishes handing out similar checks. All feature money from the stimulus plan he opposed, yet Jindal has not acknowledged the source of the funds at any appearance.