Thaindian News

Washington, Sep 7 (IANS) Louisiana Governor “Piyush” Bobby Jindal, the first Indian-American to be elected as chief executive of a US state, has filed to run again with his re-election virtually assured.

“I am pleased and honoured the people have entrusted me to be their governor these past three and a half years,” Jindal said in an e-mail Tuesday to supporters. “I’m officially asking them today to elect me to a second term.”

The election, set for Oct 22, has drawn no serious challengers for Jindal, the Times-Picayune reported.

The announcement comes as the 2012 presidential election begins to gear up — a race many people once thought might include the young Louisiana governor.

When elected in 2007, he was not only the first Indian-American governor, but at age 36, he was the youngest US governor.

He gained wide praise for his leadership during Hurricane Gustav in 2008, as he ordered a mandatory evacuation and called more than 3,000 National Guard troops into the state.

“Our state’s been through a lot,” Jindal said in the e-mail, citing Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, as well as floods, the recent drought and last week’s Tropical Storm Lee.

“What that shows us is that Louisianans are a resilient people. We’ve been through all those challenges and yet we continue to build a better state for our children and grandchildren,” Jindal said. “Our work is not done yet.”

Jindal begins the race with a roughly $9 million war chest, and he told reporters he plans to get involved in several races by offering his endorsement.

When asked if he would serve out the full four-year term if re-elected, the normally loquacious Jindal answered simply, “Yes.”

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)