GOP's Jindal calls Obama's plan irresponsible

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who may challenge Obama in 2012, said Tuesday that the Obama-backed stimulus package will "grow the government, increase our taxes down the line, and saddle future generations with debt."

Although he said Republicans are willing to work with Obama and congressional Democrats, his remarks continued the generally harsh GOP reactions to Obama's bid to boost the economy with billions of dollars in spending. The Republican Party chose Jindal to give its official response to the president's speech to Congress on Tuesday night.

In excerpts released early, Jindal suggested that Obama would raise taxes, although the Democratic-backed stimulus bill includes hefty tax cuts.

"The way to lead is not to raise taxes and put more money and power in hands of Washington politicians," Jindal said. The plan will "grow the government, increase our taxes down the line, and saddle future generations with debt."

"It's irresponsible," Jindal said.

Taking advantage of his moment in the national spotlight, Jindal publicized a Web link Tuesday allowing respondents to receive early excerpts of his planned response, and to donate to his political organization. Jindal also collected their e-mail and postal addresses, which could prove handy in a presidential race.

Other Republicans also criticized Obama and congressional Democrats' response to the economic crisis.

In light of the $787 billion stimulus bill and Congress's plans to vote on a large budget bill this week, struggling families and small businesses wonder if Obama's calls for fiscal responsibility is "all talk and no action," said House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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