Teepell campaign role downgraded

While the re-election of Gov. Bobby Jindal seems more likely with each passing day, the fate of his chief political strategist has become rather difficult to predict. For starters, Timmy Teepell is no longer serving as Jindal’s campaign manager, as he did in 2007. “Mr. Teepell serves as a campaign aide,” said Aaron Baer, press secretary for the re-election bid. Taking Teepell’s place is Matt Parker, former executive director of the Louisiana Republican Party and an early aide on Jindal’s 2007 campaign. Parker, who is Teepell’s brother-in-law, comes with a bit of clout, having most recently helped get Rick Scott elected governor of Florida. For Teepell, it may mean a smaller profile in the Jindal campaign, but it also gives him more free time to possibly pursue other consulting agreements around the country. Last year, Teepell took temporary leave from his post as Jindal’s chief of staff to work on successful GOP gubernatorial campaigns in other states. As for which way the wind is really blowing, Teepell’s current salary from the Jindal campaign may be a telling sign. The most up-to-date figure, however, is not being released. “That information should be in our 30-day report that we will file in September,” Baer said. In 2007, Teepell was pulling down roughly $10,000 per month in “salary,” according to campaign finance reports on file with the state Ethics Administration. This year, Parker has received about $5,700 each month since April, with payments being defined as a “staff expense.” Further speculation surrounds the question of whether Teepell will return as chief of staff for a second term. —Jeremy Alford
This story has been changed since it was first published.