Jindal Slams Anti-Mixed Marriage Judge

Officials, including Gov. Jindal, pressured Keith Bardwell

(AP) - A Louisiana justice of the peace who refused to marry a couple because the bride was white and groom was black resigned today, after weeks of refusing to step down despite calls for his ouster. Keith Bardwell quit with no explanation of his decision; Gov. Bobby Jindal called it "long overdue." More»

'I'm not a racist. I just don't believe in mixing the races that way.'

(AP) - A justice of the peace in rural Louisiana says he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have. Keith Bardwell says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long. "I'm not a racist. I just don't believe in mixing the races that way," Bardwell says. "I have piles and piles of black friends. They come to my home, I marry them, they use my bathroom. I treat them just like everyone else." More»

(AP) - Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal called President Obama's plan to fix the economy "irresponsible" and certain to increase taxes and federal debt. "The way to lead is not to raise taxes and put more money and power in hands of Washington politicians," said Jindal, who gave the Republican Party's response to Obama's speech. The stimulus bill will expand the government, "increase our taxes down the line, and saddle future generations with debt," he said. More»

New Orleans residents shouldn't return yet, mayor cautions

(NEWSER) - Hurricane Gustav is a tropical depression once more but it is still a “very serious storm,” Gov. Bobby Jindal said today. “We're not quite at halftime,” he cautioned, noting the massive power outages, tornadoes, and heavy rains plaguing the state. “There is a lot, lot more work ahead of us.” Evacuees will have to wait to return home, USA Today reports. More»

Hindu-born La. governor's conversion could help McCain

(NEWSER) - When political observers talk about Bobby Jindal’s vice presidential credentials, they often mention that his devout Christian faith might sway the base. It’s a curious advantage for the Hindu-raised son of Punjabi immigrants, but Jindal’s conversion was the sincere product of a deep spiritual quest, the Wall Street Journal reports. “I did not have an overnight epiphany,” says Jindal, but a “very intellectual-based journey.” More»