WHICH IS WHY HOWARD FINEMAN IS ONLY A JOURNALIST:

A 2012 Star Is Born? (Hotline, February 11, 2009)

LA Gov. Bobby Jindal will give the GOP's response to Pres. Obama's first address to Congress, an honor usually bestowed to an individual who party leadership believes deserves a national introduction.

Late last year, Jindal, 37, visited Iowa, the first-in-the-nation caucus state, to speak at the Family Policy Center's "Celebrating the Family" dinner. But he has otherwise attempted to tamp down speculation that he's building a national profile for a White House bid. Jindal has served as governor since January 2008.

Today's announcement was made jointly by House Republican Leader John Boehner (OH) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (KY).