NEW ORLEANS -- Sen. John McCain has canceled a trip to New Orleans and a meeting with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, WDSU NewsChannel 6 has learned.

The likely Republican nominee for president was scheduled to arrive at Louis Armstrong Airport Wednesday evening. On Thursday, he intended to tour an offshore oilrig and meet with Jindal.

News of the meeting with the governor fueled speculation that Jindal was under consideration for a significant role at the Republican National Convention or on the so-called "short list" for the vice presidential spot on the ticket.

There was no indication why the schedule changed at the last minute.

The Louisiana trip would have been a break from a week of campaigning in higher profile battleground states.

In place of the New Orleans visit, McCain will head to Columbus in the bellwether state of Ohio.