RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal says the Republican Party needs to stop worrying about fixing itself and start worrying about fixing the nation.

The rising GOP star traveled far from his home state and its budget crisis to speak with conservatives in North Carolina, raising money and focusing on national issues more suited for a presidential candidate than a governor.

Jindal said the nation needs to break its addiction to debt both in Washington and in households. He said the stimulus plan moving through Congress will simply create more debt at a time when the nation needs less.

But Jindal also said the GOP needs to work with President Barack Obama, reaching out to him when both sides agree and providing alternative solutions when they don’t.