Kennedy Steps Into Co-Host Legislative Fundraiser

Days after Gov. Bobby Jindal withdrew his support from a Wednesday fundraiser for a Democratic state lawmaker, Republican state Treasurer John Kennedy volunteered to lend his assistance.

Democratic Rep. Jeff Arnold of New Orleans had originally listed Jindal, a Republican, as a member of the "host committee," which also includes GOP House Speaker Jim Tucker and a number of Democratic officials.

But the governor's office says Jindal never agreed to serve, even though Arnold says he was told in late October by acting chief of staff Stephen Waguespack that the governor's participation had been approved. Arnold described the governor's action as a "slap in the face."

Kennedy stepped into the breach and is now listed on the host committee.