Jindal stays out of Vitter race – for now

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) is declining at least so far to endorse Republican incumbent Sen. David Vitter in his upcoming challenge against Democratic Rep. Charlie Melancon.

“Voters can make up his own mind,” Jindal said Sunday, as quoted by New Orleans TV station WDSU.

Jindal added he does not get involved in federal races. The station notes, however, that Jindal was a special guest at a 2008 fundraiser for Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and also endorsed Woody Jenkins in his failed congressional bid.

A Jindal spokeswoman told CNN that Jindal meant to convey he has not yet weighed in on the race yet, but might do so in the future.

Vitter holds a double-digit lead over Melancon despite reports in 2007 that Vitter was involved with a Washington, D.C., escort service and revelations this year that a high-ranking aide was allowed to stay employed after being charged with domestic abuse. The Vitter aide, Brent Furer, resigned his post in June.