Local and state governments dropped the ball for decades before the disaster took place. They frequently diverted money away from levee projects for other infrastructure things. Lack of adequate routes out of NO, lack of a cohesive evacuation plane (when almost every city in Florida has one) and lack of leadership up to the event.
Casinos, sport stadiums and an aquarium all received more funds and attention than the levees did.
So, from Jindal's perspective, Democrats DID drop the ball with Katrina. They owned LA politics for generations and generations. Its just not accepted from Democrats outside of the area because they believe that big brother should take care of everything.
While the Bush adminstration did divert money away from the levees to fund the Iraq war, even if the money were spent there .. it would not have been in enough time. Nor would the existing plans been enough to hold Katrina back if they were built in time.