Gov. Bobby Jindal is “leaning strongly” toward proposing a constitutional amendment that would scrap the job of lieutenant governor, the governor’s top aide said Tuesday.
Chief of Staff Timmy Teepell said the proposal — which would require a two-thirds vote of the Legislative and voter approval — would move the state’s second in command to the secretary of state.
Responsibilities of the office such as culture, recreation and tourism would be spread around various agencies, Teepell said.
The proposition could go to voters this fall at the same time there could be a special election to fill the remainder of the lieutenant governor’s term. The term ends in January 2012.
Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, a Democrat, is running for mayor of New Orleans. The behind-the-scenes political jockeying over who would succeed Landrieu, should he win, has been described as intense.
With a Landrieu win, Jindal would nominate — subject to legislative confirmation — a temporary successor who would serve until someone is elected in the fall.
Teepell said the governor will likely appoint someone who would not run for the seat.
“That way everyone running would get a fair shot,” Teepell said. “We have not looked at anyone in particular. Obviously, a lot of people have called and wanted to talk about it.”
The potential vacancy in the No. 2 job — considered a heartbeat away from the governor’s office — is creating interest in a variety of political camps.
