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Jindal proves pundits wrong; finishes first in open primary
Washington, Oct 05: Republican candidate of Indian descent Bobby Jindal has proved pundits wrong. He is leading with 33 per cent of the 231,901 votes polled in the open primary for Lousiana governorship.
Washington, Oct 05: Republican candidate of Indian descent Bobby Jindal has proved pundits wrong. He is leading with 33 per cent of the 231,901 votes polled in the open primary for Lousiana governorship.
With 71 per cent of the votes counted, Jindal, who finished first had 33 per cent while the second spot was being closely contested by Lt Governor Kathleen Blanco and Attorney General Richard Ieyoub both at 17 per cent.
Turnout was projected at 65 per cent and long queues were also reported at many polling stations yesterday. If none of the 17 candidates contesting for the post get more than 50 per cent of the votes in the primary, the top two would go to the November 15 runoff. The winner would become the next governor. Political pundits who had earlier said that Jindal running as a conservative republican candidate, had no chance of being elected the first Indian-American governor as he isn't white, were in for a surprise.
He finished first in an open primary for Louisana governorship while the other three democratic politicians were left scrambling for the second spot. Thirty-two year old Jindal and remained atop the polls, although, being a Republican, he has hardly any black support. He was running strong even in areas of the state such as Cajun parishes, where other candidates were favoured.
Jindal, a former assistant secretary to President George W Bush's Department of Health and Human Services, has found a way to appeal to the professional and business class, while still throwing meat to the social conservative, observes the local media.
Bureau Report
Turnout was projected at 65 per cent and long queues were also reported at many polling stations yesterday. If none of the 17 candidates contesting for the post get more than 50 per cent of the votes in the primary, the top two would go to the November 15 runoff. The winner would become the next governor. Political pundits who had earlier said that Jindal running as a conservative republican candidate, had no chance of being elected the first Indian-American governor as he isn't white, were in for a surprise.
He finished first in an open primary for Louisana governorship while the other three democratic politicians were left scrambling for the second spot. Thirty-two year old Jindal and remained atop the polls, although, being a Republican, he has hardly any black support. He was running strong even in areas of the state such as Cajun parishes, where other candidates were favoured.
Jindal, a former assistant secretary to President George W Bush's Department of Health and Human Services, has found a way to appeal to the professional and business class, while still throwing meat to the social conservative, observes the local media.
Bureau Report