Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
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
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
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
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
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.
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!
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?
Thursday, October 25, 2007
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.
# # #
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
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
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, law enforcement, and the Houston Emergency Center
- Oversized truck ordinance
- Mid-rise ordinance
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
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
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.
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."
Sunday, October 21, 2007
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
Friday, October 19, 2007
Campaign Email: More Contributors Than Watts!
First, let me thank you for your support. With your help to Rick Noriega's campaign, we raised more money from individual contributors than our primary opponent in the third fundraising quarter. With your continued commitment and support, Rick Noriega will be well on his way to be the next U.S. Senator from Texas.
During the July-September fundraising period, we raised over a half million dollars -- $530,722 -- from individual donors and PACs, including VoteVets.org PAC. The total bested our largely self-funded millionaire opponent and demonstrates that Texans are ready for change ["Noriega bests Watts in individual donations," Associated Press, October 16, 2007].1
Our fundraising success is a reflection of a true grassroots effort in this campaign that's bringing Texans together from all walks of life. It is a movement that is catching fire and it's exactly the kind of effort needed to beat John Cornyn and help get our country back on track.
Slowly but surely the traditional media is catching on to what we've known all along. The traditional standards for measuring campaigns no longer apply ["Wealth may not be enough for Watts in Senate race," Houston Chronicle, October 16, 2007].2
As a five-term legislator, standing up for public education, health care, and women's rights; as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Texas National Guard who served a tour of duty in Afghanistan; as the Incident Commander assisting Hurricane Katrina evacuees in Houston; and today as a citizen candidate for the United States Senate -- Rick Noriega continues to answer the call.
But this campaign is about more than Rick. It's about a call to serve, and more and more people are joining us every day in answering that call. You have been a key force in our growth and momentum. And for showing that leadership, I want to thank you.
We know we're not done yet, though. We must continue to work to bring an end to the war in Iraq, to stand up for the health of all children, and change the culture of politics that divides rather than unites.
If you're able to make yet another donation today to help us continue in our cause, it will help send a message that we are not taking our success for granted, and that we won't stop until we unseat George Bush's rubberstamp Senator, and bring true Texas values to the floor of the United States Senate. Please click here to donate today to continue to support the campaign. Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Sue Schechter
Campaign Manager
Rick Noriega for Texas
Democrat for U.S. Senate
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Support Proposition 15 in Texas
Read This Article: Taxes Won't Cure Cancer
Here's my response:
Liz Young is Wrong!
What were you doing in January, 2001? Like 50,000 other high school seniors across the world, I was writing my “Question 1” essay for admission to The University of Texas, but unlike any other applicant that year, mine was written on a laptop in the waiting room at the purple ward at
Fortunately, hers was discovered in a very early stage and she has had no major complications since her operation almost seven years ago. In fact, there’s nearly a 100% 5-year survival rate for Stage 1 breast cancer after treatment, and a 5-year rate across all stages is about 86%. The reason for this is research and awareness, and I find it important that we’ve fittingly raised this issue in October, breast cancer awareness month.
In 2007 more than 95,000 Texans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer, and more than 37,000 Texans will lose their lives to the disease. The illness costs Texans $30 billion each year in both direct and indirect costs. With the best medical center in the world right here in
Cancer affects all Texans, whether you personally know a victim, or you know them vicariously through others, but they’re out there. They’re out at walks across the country, raising awareness and asking for support. We ought to lend it to them. Support Proposition 15, support my mother.
BBA-Marketing, 2005
Independent Blogger - NoriegaBlog.com
More from LIVESTRONG
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Noriega Beats Watts in Contributions
This from the El Paso Times
Although the actual campaign accounts vary by several million dollars (Watts self-contributed $7.5M so far to his campaign), it seems that Noriega has garnered more support in individual contributions than Watts.
Noriega: $508,000
Watts: $443,000
South Texas Stands Up For Noriega
Local leaders welcome U.S. Senate candidate Rick Noriega to Uvalde State Representative Pete Gallego joins Governor Briscoe in praising Noriega for bringing military experience to national debate
(Uvalde, TX) – State Representative and Army Lt. Col. Rick Noriega, who is exploring a run for the U.S. Senate, was the Special Guest last Wednesday night at a fundraiser honoring fellow State Representative Pete Gallego (D-Alpine). Former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe and Uvalde County Democratic Party Chairman Pat Dodson hosted the event at the Oasis Outback Bar-B-Q. Governor Briscoe and Representative Gallego recently announced their endorsements for Noriega's bid for Senate.
"I am honored to receive the support of Governor Briscoe and my colleague, Representative Gallego," said Representative Noriega.
In his statement endorsing Representative Noriega, Governor Briscoe called Noriega a "humble public servant."
"I think in these times an essential criteria for representing Texas in the United States Senate is service in the military, a person who has walked the walk. Rick's service to his country in Afghanistan makes Texans proud," Briscoe said.
"In the Legislature, Rick served as the point man on border security, helping put politics aside and bringing a common sense law enforcement perspective based on his first-hand experience serving in Operation Jump Start," said Gallego, whose district includes Uvalde County.
Noriega discussed with Briscoe, Gallego, and another South Texas legislator, State Representative Tracy King (D-Eagle Pass), the need to strengthen the V.A. health system to provide the care veterans deserve, and his challenge to Republican Senator John Cornyn to stand up for Texas children and support the Children's Health Insurance Program.
"I appreciate every opportunity I have to hear the concerns of people throughout Texas, whether here in Uvalde or up in the Panhandle," Noriega said.
Rick Noriega, in his fifth term as a State Representative from Houston, led the effort to increase teacher pay during this year's legislative session. A Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, he served a tour of duty in Afghanistan and as the incident commander at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, leading the relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Campaign Message: Junior John's Healthcare Voting
A recent Houston Chronicle headline states that Senator John Cornyn "touts" health care reform.
But Senator Cornyn has little to brag about: He voted against the reauthorization of health insurance for kids -- twice.
Next week, Senator Cornyn has to decide whether or not he will vote to override President Bush's veto of SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program), the program that provides affordable health care for America's children.
Will you join me and demand that Senator Cornyn override Bush's veto and renew medical care for our kids?
In the military, we often say, "Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Cornyn has failed to lead on health care in this country -- and when given the chance to follow, he followed in the wrong direction by voting against SCHIP.
Senator Cornyn can either choose to side with over 200,000 Texan children who were knocked off SCHIP in 2003 -- or get out of the way.
Renewing SCHIP would help working parents, who work day-in and day-out just to make ends meet, provide health insurance for their kids. Don't our children deserve the same quality health care that our Senators in Congress enjoy?
The upcoming override vote is about upholding real Texas values. Real Texas values are about standing up for our children.
SCHIP is supported by members of both parties, including Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison; yet John Cornyn still can't rise above his partisanship -- voting against this legislation twice.
Please join me in this fight to ensure that all children in Texas have health care -- email Senator Cornyn today!
Sincerely,
Rick Noriega
Democrat for U.S. Senate
Noriega and Watts Interview
Check it out from our friends over at the BOR:
http://www.burntorangereport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4201
Monday, October 1, 2007
$570,000: Rick Noriega Raises As Much As Casey, Brown, and Webb in COMBINED In The Same Period, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Monday, October 1st, 2007 James Aldrete, 512-751-3448
Noriega Exploratory Campaign to report $570,000
Lt. Col. who served a tour of duty in Afghanistan exceeds benchmark
set by 4 out of 5 of the 2006 winning Democratic Senate challengers in his first federal financial disclosure report
(Houston, TX) — Rick Noriega announced today contributions of $570,000 for the October 15th FEC financial disclosure report. The report, the first for the State Representative and Lt. Colonel’s exploratory campaign, shows growing momentum for his campaign to unseat incumbent Republican John Cornyn.
“Rick Noriega’s strength is his story,” noted his campaign manager Sue Schechter, referring to his long history of service, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan, playing a leading role in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in Houston, commanding troops and serving five terms as a State Representative. “As our very first FEC report makes clear, Rick has the fundraising appeal and a growing network of supporters to ensure we’ll have the resources to communicate his story to the voters.”
Noriega’s fundraising totals put Texas on the map nationally, besting the benchmarks set by 4 out of 5 of the winning Democratic challengers in 2006 Senate races. As the attached chart shows, Noriega’s totals put him ahead of the 2006-October 15th filings of John Tester (D-MT), Bob Casey (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Jim Webb (D-VA), whose victories last cycle helped secure Democratic control of the US Senate. Noriega’s totals are ahead of all winners except Claire McCaskill (D-MO) who was waging her third statewide race and received much of her support from national donors.
In addition to Noriega’s support from a growing list of the state’s leading Democratic donors, the campaign also raised $158,860 online from over 1,100 donations via ActBlue, the Democratic clearinghouse for online donations. That made the Noriega campaign the most successful non-incumbent Senate candidate on ActBlue during the 3rd quarter. The report also includes a $5,000 contribution from VoteVets.org PAC, the leading political organization of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, as well as a $50,000 loan Noriega made to his own campaign, and nearly 1,300 unique contributors.
“Our fundraising network includes pro-choice women from Dallas, business leaders from the Valley, Democratic icons from across the state, and small dollar donors from a retired woman in Wichita Falls to over 1,100 contributors on the Internet,” Schechter explained.
“We accomplished this milestone in the toughest fundraising quarter, after Col. Noriega served in a grueling legislative session, and lost two weeks of fundraising while he fulfilled his guard duty at Fort Benning, GA,” added Schechter. “We continue to run a lean operation, because we know we’re in this for the long haul,” Schechter continued, referring to aggressive efforts to minimize overhead expenditures. “But one thing is for sure, despite our primary opponent’s efforts to portray himself as the next Daddy Warbucks, more and more Texans are showing they prefer to invest in experience, not just a checkbook.”
Additional details on Rick Noriega’s report will follow mid-week along with a digital copy of the official disclosure.
