Jindal seeking GOP presidential bid

KENNER, La. — Pitching himself as a “doer” in a field of talkers, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal declared his candidacy for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination Wednesday and set about trying to distinguish himself from better known rivals.

It’s a long-shot effort for an accomplished but overshadowed governor, and his prospects will depend in large measure on his continued courtship of evangelical voters. But several other contenders also are determined to win over that group.

“We have a bunch of great talkers running for president,” Jindal said at his opening rally. “We’ve had enough of talkers. It’s time for a doer. I’m not running for president to be somebody. I’m running for president to do something.”

An Oxford-educated son of Indian immigrants, Jindal can point to a political career filled with many achievements in a short time: a position as state health secretary when he was merely age 24, election to Congress at 32 and election as governor four years later.

Aides discussed Jindal’s plans to focus on social conservatives, as he has done for months, and highlight his reputation as a leader steeped in policy.