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September 5, 2008 11:42:31 PM CDT

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Nation's First Indian Gov. Vows to Clean Up Louisiana

Posted Jan 15, 08 3:50 AM CST in Politics,  US 

(Newser) – Louisiana's first non-white chief executive since Reconstruction—and the first elected Indian-American governor in US history—vowed yesterday in his inauguration speech to clean up the corruption-plagued state. The charismatic Piyush "Bobby" Jindal, a Roman-Catholic convert from Hinduism, is a conservative Republican who also becomes, at age 36, the nation's youngest governor in office.

"We have the opportunity—born of tragedy but embraced still the same—to make right decades of failure in government," said Jindal, referring to the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. He pledged to immediately convene a legislative session on ethics reform, and seek to improve economic conditions in Louisiana. "He's a fresh face, a do-gooder—a whiz kid," gushed one observer.

Sources Shreveport Times, Christian Science Monitor

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Governor-elect Bobby Jindal and his wife Supriya walk to the podium Monday, Jan. 14, 2008 at the start of his inauguration ceremony on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, La. Jindal...   (Associated Press)
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and first lady Supriya dance with their son Shaan, 3, and daughter Selia,6, during the inaugural ball Monday, Jan. 14, 2008 in Baton Rouge, La. Jindal became the first elected...   (Associated Press)
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal looks back to his wife, Supriya Jindal, after taking the oath of office from Louisiana Chief Justice Pascal Calogero Monday, Jan. 14, 2008 during his inauguration ceremony...   (Associated Press)
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal waves as he delivers his inaugural speech after taking the oath of office Monday, Jan. 14, 2008 on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, La. Jindal became...   (Associated Press)
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Hurricane Katrina  • corruption  • New Orleans  • Louisiana  • Bobby Jindal  • Kathleen Blanco  • Baton Rouge


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