Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal plans a “major announcement” June 24 in New Orleans on his presidential intentions.
"If I decide to announce on June 24th that I will seek the Republican nomination for President, my candidacy will be based on the idea that the American people are ready to try a dramatically different direction. We don't need just small changes, we need a dramatically different path," Jindal said in a press release Wednesday.
Jindal, 43, announced a campaign exploratory committee last month, and has scheduled a Baton Rouge fundraiser June 27 featuring Louisiana State University football coach Les Miles and New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton, according to The Advocate of Baton Rouge.
Jindal would enter a crowded Republican field as a decided underdog. He barely registers on most polls, and has stirred some controversy with his sharply conservative views and budget problems in his state.
Jindal, raised by Hindu parents, converted to Catholicism and has been trying to appeal to the Christian right
Last month, he issued an executive order that stirred controversy, as it listed ways businesses and individuals could practice religious freedom. It said they could not be punished by the state for “actions based on religious beliefs that marriage is between a man and woman,” according to Nola.com.
It added, “The order will not impact LGBT non-discrimination ordinances in cities that have them, like New Orleans and Shreveport. The executive order will, however, still apply in those cities – as far as prohibiting the enumerated types of punishment by the state....(an official said) it shouldn't conflict with the ordinances, since the ordinances don't require licenses or other state actions be taken on businesses or individuals that are found to have engaged in discriminatory actions.”
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