Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal will headline a GOP event in New Hampshire in September, feeding rumors that the Republican is laying the groundwork for a 2016 presidential campaign.
The speaking appearance, confirmed by the New Hampshire Journal, will be at the Seacoast Republican Women’s Club’s annual Chilifest at Bittersweet Farm.
The farm, owned by the former New Hampshire House speaker Doug Scamman and former Rep. Stella Scamman, is the very place Mitt Romney announced his 2012 presidential campaign and the site of many Republican rallies and political events over the years. Most recently, Senate candidate Scott Brown accepted Romney’s endorsement there in early July.
New Hampshire’s early primary—and record of correctly selecting GOP nominees for president—makes the state a hot spot for any Republican considering a national election. Jindal has been in and out of the state several times during the last few years, most recently keynoting the Northeast Republican Leadership Conference hosted by the state’s GOP in March. Last year, he also was the keynote speaker at a fundraiser for state Senate Republicans.
Jindal, a two-term governor, is considered to a possible presidential contender in 2016. In March, he launched a political action committee “Stand Up To Washington” that aims to support conservatives in 2014, but could also provide the backbone for a White House bid.
Jane Timm