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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 

 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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Politics and Government News

Republican leaders are calling President
Barack Obama's handling of the economy irresponsible and
wrongheaded, saying it will increase taxes and government debt.

GOP's Jindal calls Obama's plan irresponsible

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