Jindal: Republicans need to stop saying ‘stupid things’

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) criticized Republican candidates on Sunday for making comments he said alienated voters and cost the party the presidency and key Senate seats.

"We don't need to demonize, and we also don't need to be saying stupid things," Jindal, the new chairman of the Republican Governors Association, said on "Fox News Sunday."

He singled out Republican Senate candidates Rep. Todd Akin of Missouri and Richard Mourdock of Indiana, saying their controversial comments on rape and abortion cost Republicans Senate seats and dragged down the party nationally.

Jindal also denounced Mitt Romney's recent comment to donors that President Obama was able to win reelection by giving "gifts" to key voting groups.

"I absolutely reject what he said. Look, we as the Republican Party have to campaign for every single vote," Jindal said.

He argued that the Republican Party needs to convince middle class voters that it's on their side. 

"We're not the party of big—big businesses, big banks, big Wall Street, big bailouts," Jindal said.

The governor added that he is calling for more than just tweaking the Republican Party's message.

"It's not just a marketing campaign. It's not just having better P.R. folks," Jindal said. "We're going to go and convince and fight for every single vote, showing them we are the party for the middle class, upward mobility. We don't start winning majorities and winning elections by insulting our voters."

But he also insisted that Republicans do not have to change their core policy positions. He argued that conservative policies would resonate with voters and improve the lives of Americans.

"This country doesn't need two liberal or Democratic parties," Jindal said.

Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wis.), also appearing on Fox, agreed with Jindal that Republicans have to do a better job reaching out to all voters.

"We've got a message that works for young people, that works for people who come to our country from other countries, and, basically for anyone who wants to live their piece of the American dream," Walker said. "We have to show that we are serious about reaching out and helping everyone, not just a group here, not just a group there."

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