McCain's Running Mate, Sarah Palin's Wikipedia Article Edited Day Before Announcement

On Thursday, Tim Pawlenty told a local radio station that he would be attending the Minnesota State Fair on Friday, not in Dayton, OH, where McCain was revealing his running mate, but if you happened over ti Wikipedia, you might have been able to figure out who the pick was.

According to NPR's All Things Considered:

On Friday, 15 minutes before the rumor that John McCain had picked Palin as his running mate, a Wikipedia editor discovered 30 mostly favorable changes had been made to the Alaska governor's profile.

She was called "a politician of eye-popping integrity" and sections on her participation in a beauty pageant and her alleged use of influence to get her former brother-in-law fired were diminished.

Wikipedia is now restricting who can alter Palin's page.

Yup, sounds like we're headed into an election, and exactly how does one get eye-popping integrity?

Rick wins Progressive Patriots

Greetings,

I'm proud to announce that the Progressive Patriots community has chosen U.S. Senate candidate of Texas Rick Noriega as our first 'Progressive Patriot' of 2008. Of the thousands of progressives who cast their vote, Rick received the most votes and we'll be sending him a $5,000 contribution today to help his campaign. While I'm sure it was difficult to choose among so many great candidates, we're thrilled to support Rick's campaign for the Senate seat in Texas.

Rick has spent his entire career serving this country. Following a 14 month deployment to Afghanistan, Rick returned to his native Houston to coordinate Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. In addition to his military background, Rick was elected to four terms in the Texas House. I urge you to check out Rick's website at www.ricknoriega.com to learn more about his record and to find out how you can help Rick succeed in November.

We're also proud to have made smaller contributions to the other six great Senate candidates that you nominated. With thousands of progressives voting from all 50 states, this round of 'Pick a Progressive Patriot' was exceptionally close and I'm proud the Progressive Patriots Fund is able to financially support all seven in their campaigns for the U.S. Senate.

Thank you for voting and I look forward to more 'Pick a Progressive Patriot' events as we move closer to the election in November.

Sincerely,

Russ Feingold
United States Senator
Honorary Chair, Progressive Patriots Fund

---

Big Spring, Midland, and El Paso

Our first Saturday event was in the beautiful Howard County in the city of Big Spring. Hosted by the Shipmans in their home, nearly two dozen locals came to enjoy a wide array of breakfast treats prepared by Ann Weaver- who lives up to her reputation as "Mrs. Democrat" in Big Spring. After some mingling around the house, Rick introduced himself and gave his stump speech with his wife Melissa at his side. People were very engaged and asked Rick a series of questions from Health Care, the war, the economy, and the importance of the local VA hospital which has had funding cuts when this area desperately needs its services. We can't ask Texas to sacrifice for this war and then not make the resources available for those fighting it after they returned home.

That message resonated over in Midland on our next stop. Meeting at the local Democratic Headquarters (yes, Midland has one), we were greeted by a diverse crowd in the "belly of the beast" as Rick called it- Tom Craddick country. But even here Democrats are fighting back (challenging Craddick for one) and running candidates for competitive local races. The minority population is growing all across West Texas and that's evident in the candidates that are running for office. Noriega had a couple of television interviews, one in Spanish here, as well as a chat with a local newspaper reporter. He then gave a rousing speech about shared sacrifice and that it would take all of us together to bring about change for Texas. He said that too often Democrats write off large parts of the state and segments of voters and that he was going to do his very best to run and earn the support of voters in all 254 counties. After that, those in attendance partook in an old-fashioned passing of the proverbial hat to help support Rick's campaign.

About 5 hours later (and not many rest stops in between) we arrived in El Paso at which point this blogger split off from the remainder of the campaign and headed home on a flight direct to Austin.

Report from Lubbock

Our meeting in Lubbock was a real treat. Hosted at the Democratic Party Headquarters there, it was a standing room with an incredibly diverse crowd. Young and old, women and men, anglo and hispanic, workers and retirees, party regulars and independent organizers- they all crowded into the presentation room along with the local television and print media. The local Democracy for Texas chapter was there along with students from the newly operational Democratic group at Texas Tech. All in all, an inspiring time in Lubbock where local Democrats sense change in the air, running new candidates and ready to help elect Rick Noriega to the U.S. Senate.

Report from Plainview

An hour's drive later and we arrived at the Plainview Country Club for a lunch hosted by former Speaker of the Texas House, Pete Laney, Rep. Joe Heflin, Mayor John Anderson, and some of the area county chairs. The chicken fried steak had plenty of gravy and green beans but the couple dozen local leaders were attentive in listening to Rick speak. He touched on many of the same themes and focused on the squeeze of the middle class. Many points were made more poignant because of the people in the room- a sophomore in high school perked up when Rick talked about college affordability and the tuition crunch that Corny has let get out of control. The veterans in the room were interested in Rick's views on the consequences of the war in Iraq, and how it has taken America's eye off the ball in Afghanistan where we may be letting Al Queada grow stronger.

Report from Amarillo

We started this morning in Amarillo with a short meeting over at the city paper, the Amarillo Globe-News whose office sported the following slogan over the door: "A newspaper may be forgiven for lack of wisdom but never for lack of courage." In front of the office was one of many decorated horse statues scattered across the city, sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association (this one named "Nay-boring Vistas".

Afterwards, we headed over to a reception at the Ambassador Hotel, hosted by Roberta Hicks (SDEC) and attended by Democrats from across the Potter and Randall County area. Upwards of 75 people attended, mingled, and met with Rick. He spoke about standing up for Texas families, working to lower college tuition, and making sure that Texas children have access to health care. It was a stark contrast to John Cornyn who has let college become unaffordable for the middle class and voted against the federal CHIP legislation multiple times. Four television stations were there along with Univision with whom Rick did a spanish language interview, all of which will help Rick get his message of change and standing up for the middle class out to more voters in Amarillo.

Rick Noriega in Amarillo

Texas is a big state- this much we all know. But it really becomes apparent when you get the chance to travel across it. After a highly successful tour through South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, Rick Noriega's campaign is now swinging through the western quarter of Texas. Starting in Amarillo, we'll be stopping in Plainview, Lubbock, Big Spring, Midland, and El Paso over the next couple of days. While there are fewer stops, there are just as many miles to cover in this wide expanse of oil and agriculture. I'm joining Rick on the road this time and will be dropping in now and again with updates.

Who Is The Texas Grinch?

Netroots Nation '08 Coming to TEXAS!

On behalf of all Texans, Rick Noriega congratulates the City of Austin as he shares in their excitement as host of the 2008 Netroots Nation convention. The Netroots community has not only proven that it can change the conventional wisdom of politics, but that it can change the conventional practices of politics as well.

We have the opportunity to enact meaningful change in the makeup of the U.S. Senate in 2008 and Rick is proud to be the candidate to put Texas in play. Our grassroots movement in Texas has garnered Democracy for America's first Senate endorsement, the support of John Kerry and Wesley Clark, the backing of the Texas netroots and Blue America communities, as well as contributions from over 2,400 online donors-- the most donors of any Senate challenger on ActBlue.

Welcome to Austin, Netroots! Rick and our entire campaign team look forward to meeting many of you in person next July 17-20.

-Sue Schechter, Campaign Manager
Rick Noriega for U.S. Senate

Democracy for America Endorses Rick!

Thanks to overwhelming support from the grassroots around Texas, State Representative Rick Noriega has become Democracy for America's first U.S. Senate endorsement for 2008! Thousands of Democracy for Texas supporters and Texans from all walks of life joined together to voice their support of Rick's candidacy.

A message from DFA Chair Jim Dean will be coming later this week. But don't wait for it - make a contribution to Rick's campaign today!

Click here to Contribute Online

Karl-Thomas Returns to Texas- The 2,000 Mile Challenge

by: Karl-Thomas Musselman

Tue Oct 30, 2007 at 08:24 AM CST

Answering the call to serve.

The rumors are true- I'm moving back to Texas!

I am excited to announce that I have taken leave from ActBlue in order to join Rick Noriega's US Senate campaign as the Online Coordinator effective November 1.

Currently, I'm writing you from the Boston-Logan Airport where I will soon board a jetBlue flight to Austin (via JFK in New York) with my cat (Catfish). As you can see, she's handling it quite well. She wasn't much help with the $50 cab fare to get here (taxis are crazy expensive in Boston) but she seems just as eager as I to return to warmer Texas weather. And of course, to Rick Noriega's Senate campaign.

But Catfish and I would like to issue a fundraising challenge in support of Rick Noriega.

It's roughly 2,000 miles from Boston and Austin.

We'll be flying for about 6.5 hours, arriving in Texas at 5 pm.

Can you raise $1 for Rick Noriega for each mile of flight by the time we land?

$208 for Noriega gets us to New York.
$570 for Noriega gets us to Virginia.
$1,100 for Noriega gets us to Georgia.
$1,415 for Noriega gets us to Mississippi.
$2,000 for Noriega gets us home to Texas!

Give here: http://www.actblue.com/page/2000milechallenge

That's $2,000 by 5pm, just $300 an hour- and I'm even give you a head start! I won't be able to check in on the progress of this effort until we land in the Lone Star state so I'm putting my faith in you to support our presumptive Democratic nominee to defeat John Cornyn. I wouldn't be returning to Texas if I didn't think Rick Noriega represented a once in a decade opportunity to change Texas politics.

It's time to retire Junior Senator John Cornyn.
And you can do it for just $1 a mile.

Our eyes are upon you Texas. Will you, too, answer the call?

Cornyn Two-Faced on Dream Act

DREAM Act Vote Shows the Two Faces of John Cornyn

Texas' junior senator votes against college access bill after declaring his support to El Pasoans; Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison votes to continue debate on mainstream measure.

(Houston, TX) – Talking out of one side of his mouth when he visits the border, and another when he votes in Washington, Senator John Cornyn once again voted against the children and the future of Texas yesterday.

During an August visit to El Paso, the junior senator from Texas declared his support for the DREAM Act, the El Paso Times reported.¹ Yet, when faced with a vote yesterday, he failed to join 12 of his Republican colleagues – including Texas' senior Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison – in passing the bill.

"I applaud Senator Hutchison for doing the right thing while John Cornyn was backing away from his promise. The DREAM Act benefits those kids who know no other home, had no say in the matter when their parents brought them to America, and who did what we've asked of them by working hard," Noriega said.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act would provide access to college for children brought to the United States illegally, and create a path to citizenship for such children so long as they were enrolled in school or the military.

"The DREAM Act is a statement that Texans believe in education. John Cornyn has chosen to reverse his position for political gain, opting instead to exploit the education of Hispanic children to use as a wedge issue," Noriega said.

State Representative Noriega passed a Texas version of the DREAM Act in 2001, which subsequently has allowed over 10,000 Texas children access to college and set them on the path to becoming educated, productive, and taxpaying Texans.

The federal DREAM Act, which fell short of the necessary 60 votes, 52-44, would have granted conditional legal status to those who entered the country before the age of 16, have lived in the United States more than five years, graduate high school, lack a criminal record, and demonstrate "good moral character." Conditional status would be lifted only after the completion of at least two years of higher education or military service, and citizenship could only be applied for after five years.

Last month, Senator Cornyn voted against a State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) bill, and subsequently opted not to override President Bush's veto.

"Once again, Senator Cornyn voted against the children of Texas and against the future. First, he voted against health insurance for children, and now he's voted against education. In Texas, we value children. We don't try to limit their opportunities based on political calculations," Noriega said.

# # #

Early Voting Through Nov 2... Remember Melissa Noriega!

Melissa Noriega's City Hall Accomplishments

After being sworn into City Council on June 27th, Mayor Bill White assigned Melissa Noriega to the following committees. Melissa moved swiftly to make a positive impact on issues that affect Houstonians.

Some recent actions and current committee work by Noriega:

QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE:

Issues affecting parks, greenspace, graffiti, billboards, signage, and litter

• Refurbishment of Hermann Park mini-train
• Gus Wortham Golf Course remodeling
• Old Sixth Ward Historical District

FLOODING AND DRAINAGE COMMITTEE:

Regulation and permitting functions affecting flooding and drainage, communication with affected stakeholders, coordination with other governmental entities, long-range planning for flooding and drainage, emergency preparedness as it relates to flooding

• Chapter 19 (construction in floodways and floodplains)

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE

Public safety, law enforcement, and the Houston Emergency Center

• Oversized truck ordinance
• Mid-rise ordinance

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE

Public health, environmental laws, regional compliance with the Clean Air Act, coordination with HGAC and other bodies on environmental and health issues

• Fats, oil and grease ordinance
• Pay or Play policy
• Nuisance ordinance
• Registration of polluting companies
• Mobile food unit ordinance

Dear friends,

Early voting is going on now through November 2nd. You can find early voting locations and schedules on my website at melissanoriega.com and at harrisvotes.com. It's also not too late to get a vote by mail ballot.

Thank you for your support and for your vote,
Melissa

Texas Democratic Party Chair Boyd Richie on Mikal Watts

TDP CHAIR BOYD RICHIE ON MIKAL WATTS' WITHDRAWAL FROM SENATE RACE

"The Texas Democratic Party appreciates Mikal Watts' dedication to our state and the value of public service. In the time he campaigned for the U.S. Senate, Mikal made a significant contribution, raising a number of important issues on behalf of the vast majority of Texans who would be better served by a Senator who works for us rather than the special interests. I respect Mikal's commitment to his family and look forward to working with him in the future to make Texas a better place for all our families."

Nick Lampson Supports Rick Noriega

LAMPSON STATEMENT ON TEXAS U.S. SENATE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

HOUSTON, TX – Congressman Nick Lampson (D-Stafford) issued the following statement today after Mikal Watts withdrew his bid for the Democratic nomination to run for the U.S. Senate.

"I wish Mikal the very best in his future endeavors. Rick Noriega is a dedicated public servant, a leader, and a soldier who has made enormous sacrifices for our nation. Rick is going to do great things in Washington for Texas."

Barbara Ann Radnofsky Comments about Watts' Withdrawal

On the announcement that Mr. Watts will withdraw from the U.S. Senate Race:

Congratulations are in order to Mr. Watts, to Representative Noriega, and to the people of Texas.

I respect Mr. Watts for his decision and effort to step forward and explore, and understand his family- oriented choice announced today.

I support Lt. Colonel Rick Noriega for U.S. Senate. Texas needs his leadership and service. His efforts will also lead the way for those of us who desire to serve the public in elective office.

The announcements today bode remarkably well for Democrats winning in November 2008, and beyond. This will help fundraising and merge the interests and needs of the diverse and expanding Texas Democratic Party. Folks are re-joining the Democrats. I've seen interest and support from Republicans and Independents attending the last eight fundraisers we've hosted this summer and fall. The Republican and Independent support for Democrats is increasing in intensity and generosity. And that is great.

Rick Noriega Comments on Mikal Watts Withdrawal

Dear Eric,

I received a call from Mikal Watts this morning informing me that he has decided to withdraw from the Democratic Primary race for the United States Senate.

As Teddy Roosevelt once said, the credit goes to the man in the arena. And Mikal Watts will always have my utmost respect for standing in the arena and highlighting how John Cornyn has let Texas down, placing political extremists and his financial contributors ahead of the people of Texas.

Of course, this is not the first time Mikal has been in the arena -- he's been a true friend to Democrats in Texas and throughout the nation, and has always had the courage to stand up for his convictions.

Today, Mikal made a very difficult and personal decision to put his family first. That's a reflection of a strong character and a truly grounded leader.

Mikal and I made plans to sit down together in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, I'll continue the campaign that we started together and fight for the vision for a better Texas that we continue to share.

Sincerely,

Rick Noriega
Democrat for U.S. Senate

Mikal Watts: A Better Democrat Than Joe Lieberman!

Mikal Watts knows what's important. He said in a statement, "For the last five months I have been exploring a race for the United States Senate because I believe that our junior senator, John Cornyn, has let Texas down and is more concerned with his cronies and friends in Washington than with what's best for Texas." And for this, he is truly a good Democrat.

Where Joe Lieberman not only lost the primary, but was so full of himself, he created the "Connecticut for Lieberman" banner to run under to continue his campaign, Mikal Watts sees the true light, that the current administration and our junior senator is wrong, and he is willing to put the people of Texas first. He knows a long primary will only cost dollars that could be used to defeat Cornyn, and is really supporting the entire Democratic ticket in this action. For that, I admire Mr. Watts for the courage and strength to graciously bow out of the race.

Mikal Watts Out of Senate Race in Texas

In a Statement:

"For the last five months I have been exploring a race for the United States Senate because I believe that our junior senator, John Cornyn, has let Texas down and is more concerned with his cronies and friends in Washington than with what's best for Texas.

"After spending the last several months putting everything into this campaign, I have seen the toll this effort has taken on my young children. For these reasons, my wife and I have made the decision that I will not be seeking the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate in 2008. I was brought up to believe that public service is a noble endeavor and I will continue to be involved at some level in the future. However, I realize that my time now should be devoted to serving my children so they may grow up in a healthy environment with both parents at home to meet their needs.

"The reasons for creating my exploratory committee still exist. As I have criss-crossed the state and met and talked with tens of thousands of good Texans, it is evident how much the people of Texas want and need a Senator who will fight every day for their interests and not the special interests. We need to elect a new Senator in Texas and I will personally do everything possible to support the Democratic nominee.

"It is hard to express the gratitude I feel for all the support my family and I have received as we have pursued this effort. I know that our vision for the future of Texas is one that all of our friends and supporters share. It's been one of the greatest blessings of my life for their faith in me, and for all of their hard work over the past months. While the decision not to seek the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate has been a difficult one, I know that it is the right one for my family at this time."

Mikal Watts Not Feeling The Love

Friday night at the Dallas Democratic Part Fish Fry, a man stood up during Watt's speech and announced "he's Anti-Choice" etc and started booing him. I would love to shake that man's hand!!! Mikal was so hurt by this that he canceled a $10,000 speakers table at the Johnson, Rayburn Richards Harris County Democratic Party dinner. I guess Mikal cannot stand the heat. Texas and Texas Women would be better off if Daddy Warbucks dropped out of the race completely.

The Women of Texas are a tough breed and deserve respect from political candidates and officials. Here is a sign I saw yesterday in Austin.

When you run for office and say a Texas Woman is smart enough to raise a child but too stupid to make a medical decision you take your chances. While I was not raised in Texas, I respect strong, independent, and smart women. My Mom raised two boys on her own and would not let a man decide her fate. I have met many strong women in Texas through the years and I doubt the women of Texas like the fact that Mikal Watts thinks he knows what is better for them either. A woman's right to chose is not something any politician should be involved in unless it is guaranteeing that right is never taken away. I have a feeling Mikal will be booed a few more times before he either loses the primary of has enough sense to step out of the race.


Don't Mess With Texas


MY BODY! MY CHOICE!

Rick Noriega felt nothing but love this weekend at both events where he was welcomed enthusiastically by people attending both events. Rick got a standing ovation when he went up to the microphone to introduce Mayor White of Houston at Saturday night's event. This did not happen for any of the other people who introduced speakers. Mayor White called Rick the next Senator from Texas.

Rick in his 5 terms in the Texas Legislature has been a champion of Women's Rights. He respects the independent nature of our strong women and is the man we need in Washington. Rick has proven over and over he is the candidate of the people and actually cares about Texans and not just a title. Join Team Noriega and make a donation.




Team Noriega


Noriega Express Yard Sign