Look out when the Times gets favorable

They used to really like John McCain, until he began rising in the Republican party to become (virtually) the presidential candidate. Now, they’re paying attention to Bobby Jindal. They went to Lousiana to check him out, what with all the speculation on his chances to be on the ticket with McCain.

Politicians here say they are certain that Mr. Jindal would balance a McCain ticket, and not just because he is an Indian-American. The Christian right has a new champion in Mr. Jindal, a serious Catholic who has said that “in my faith, you give 100 percent of yourself to God.”

Bumper stickers saying “Jindal for V.P.” are circulating here, with increased velocity after the governor’s stay two weekends ago at Mr. McCain’s Arizona ranch. Mr. McCain’s schedule has him campaigning in Louisiana next week, according to his Web site.

“He has everything McCain is lacking,” said State Representative John LaBruzzo, a Republican, speaking of Mr. Jindal. “He’s seen as a true conservative, which McCain is seen as less than.”

I told you to watch Bobby Jindal.