Candidates For Governor Take Aim At Jindal Policies, Budget

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The contenders to be Louisiana's  next governor took swipes at the office's current occupant at a forum before small business leaders.

Candidates Tuesday criticized Gov. Bobby Jindal's financial tactics, lambasted his political ambitions and opposed a tax break rollback Jindal wants.

Republicans U.S. Sen. David Vitter and Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne said they wouldn't consult with outside groups to determine their policies, a reference to criticism that Jindal has let his possible presidential campaign drive policy.

State Rep. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, blamed Jindal's financial policies for worsening the state's $1.6 billion budget shortfall.

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle, a Republican who once worked for Jindal, joined his fellow candidates in opposing Jindal's proposal to scale back spending on a tax break for businesses that pay local inventory taxes.

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