BATON ROUGE – State Treasurer John Kennedy compared U.S. Sen. David Vitter to "a cross between Socrates and Dirty Harry" as he endorsed Louisiana's senior senator for governor, while both men took not-so-subtle shots at current Gov. Bobby Jindal.
"(Vitter) will be doggedly determined and be more concerned about Louisiana's future than his own," said Kennedy of his fellow Republican. "He will govern with wisdom and not his own ambition."
Kennedy has been critical of what many perceive has been Jindal's absence from Louisiana as the governor campaigns for a presumed run for the Republican nomination for president.
Vitter, meanwhile, said if he wins it will be his last political job.
"I'm not worrying about what sells anywhere else, including Iowa or New Hampshire," said Vitter, referring to two key primary states where Jindal has traveled frequently.
Kennedy had considered running for governor but decided to stand for re-election as treasurer, although it's widely believed Kennedy will run for the U.S. Senate if Vitter wins the governor's race.
"I'm running for re-election," Kennedy said when asked about the potential Senate race.
Vitter said he hasn't promised to reciprocate should Kennedy run for Senate. "I haven't begun to think beyond this election," Vitter said. "I'm not taking anything for granted."
Kennedy said he has followed Vitter's political career closely.
"I've been most impressed that he isn't a member of the club," Kennedy said. "He's not concerned with his peers' aspirations. His goal is to help the help the people meet their aspirations."
"We've always been kindred spirits in term of bucking the establishment," Vitter said.
