Jindal Told McCain Camp He Wasn’t Interested in VP Vetting

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) wasn’t seriously considered as a running mate for John McCain, according to The Fix’s Chris Cillizza.

Pundits had considered Jindal, 37, a possible vice presidential pick for McCain because of his youth, popularity, social conservative credentials and background as the country’s first Indian-American governor. But a source close to Jindal said that the governor wasn’t interested in joining the GOP ticket because he wanted to focus on current job. The reason given meshes with Jindal’s answers last summer to questions over whether he would serve as vice president.

Confirmation of his lack of interest in the veep job comes as chatter over a possible Jindal presidential bid in 2012 has increased. He is scheduled to visit Iowa, site of the first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses, later this month. Jindal, who has touted his pro-life stance and stressed competence in handling the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast, plans to speak before the Iowa Family Policy Center and tour areas damaged by recent flooding.