Son of Indian immigrants a rising Republican star

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) — Somehow, being the first Indian-American ever elected to govern a US state and the youngest current sitting governor wasn't enough.

Within weeks of taking office, rising Republican star Piyush "Bobby" Jindal's name was thrown into the ring as a possible vice-presidential candidate by influential conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh.

And some say the 36-year-old son of Punjabi immigrants could make a great president if he plays his cards right.

A cowboy boot-wearing social conservative, Jindal built his political support among Christian conservatives and middle-class whites with his promises to cut taxes, tighten government spending and impose a total ban on abortions.

Since taking office on January 14, the new...