ON TO IOWA:

Jindal develops extensive campaign organization (The Associated Press, 3/02/10)

For his re-election bid, Gov. Bobby Jindal has tapped into an extensive network of Republican fundraising and consulting firms known for their work for GOP candidates and causes around the country.

Jindal is seeking a second term as governor, but he’s also assembled the type of campaign organization and connections that reach far beyond his home state — and that could help launch future political campaigns on a national stage.

An Associated Press review of the Jindal campaign’s most recent finance report shows nearly half its spending in 2009 — at least $431,000 — paid for the web of out-of-state consultants, strategists, direct mail companies and fundraising coordinators. Jindal’s campaign spent $911,000 in 2009, two years before the election.

The companies and fundraisers hired, in many instances, are prominent in national Republican politics, linked to an array of high-profile candidates, conservative groups and party leaders. They’ve done work for former President George W. Bush, former GOP presidential candidate John McCain, the Republican National Committee, conservative political action committees and Republican governors, senators and congressmen in dozens of states.