Please Welcome Rick Noriega (D-TX), Our Blue America Contest Winner
By Howie Klein Sunday Sep 28, 2008 5:00pm
Rick Noriega is the Democratic nominee to replace Bush rubber stamp John Cornyn in Texas' U.S. Senate seat. This weekend Rick was the winner of the Blue America Senate contest, having inspired 947 donors (who contributed $20,500). We asked Rick to come by today, not just to congratulate him, but also to ask him how he would have approached the Paulson bailout had he been in Washington DC. Please join us in the comments section to speak with Rick.
Even though the contest is over, Rick needs donations so he can compete with Cornyn's huge corporate money machine. You can donate at the Blue America page.
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Hi Friends,
I'm a D-TX of course!
Rick
R-TX? the text of the article seems to disagree.
Welcome to C&L Rick. And congratulations on winning our contest. Your staff did an incredible job working with us while you were on active National Guard duty helping Texas dig out from the Hurricane Ike devastation. I want to ask you how that went and how people in Texas are faring after the Hurricane? Also, today there was a different kind of devastation. How did you see what went down with Paulson's bailout bill?
It was great to see an outpour of support to get TX back on track
You'd have my vote if I lived in TX. Fortunately, I don't. No offense.
check your TITLE ( R-TX) ??
Mike @ 6:
John's fixing that now.
Welcome Rick, I pray you beat 'Big Bad John'. We minions can no longer endure Republican rule.
There. All better.
DownWithTyranny @ 3:
A lot of wind blew away TX's coastline and now a lot of wind is blowing away TX's homes and savings accounts. Texans are resilient and are putting their lives back together after Ike.
It was an honor as always to work with TX soldiers.
This credit crisis is perhaps equally frightening. However we need leaders in TX that will not violate the public trust and will be straightforward with the impending crisis.
RN
DownWithTyranny @ 7:
Whew! The only way we're going to get to 60 votes in the Senate is indeed, to change that R-TX to D-TX with Rick Noriega.
I have known Rick for several years now and believe he is going to be the person to lead Texas away from this crazy embarrassing group of politicians we have been producing. I have complete faith in his judgment and leadership and can't wait for him to represent me in Washington. By the way I am a proud Texan who happens to be blue.
Thanks for everyone's great support.
RN
Good luck, Rick. We're voting for you and pulling for you, as well as donating to you. Hope you can beat Cornyn in November. You'd certainly be a breath of fresh air up in Washington.
Rick Noriega @ 10:
Rick, can you explain how you differ from Cornyn on the issues that led up to the Meltdown and on the way to fix the problems?
Hi Rick,
Just wanted to say thank you for your service and good for you for running against the right-wing machine. That can't be easy and you have my respect and support.
Hello Rick. Congratulations.
My question it in 3 parts.
1, How do you feel about corruption in Gov't?
2nd, And what do you think should happen to them . Those who are convicted of corruption
3rd, How do you feel about Lobbyists? Do you think they should be allowed in DC.? Or anywhere for that matter?
Hey Rick, I'm here at A&M as a casual member of Aggie Dems, have you been in contact with them and would you be willing to send flyers/signs/etc to them? I know the University has been historically very red, but recently there has been a very vocal minority on Democratic issues. A meeting here at the University would also do wonders for publicity in the area.
DownWithTyranny @ 15:
As elected officials we are supposed to be good stewards of the public trust. The unfettered influence at the expense of Texans has led to this fall. It's no wonder that Cornyn has taken over $4 million from Wall Street.
Our priorities are confused. Texas families will suffer an enormous blow because of a "look the other way" governance. This crisis gives us an opportunity to deal with the systemic issues of corruption and influence.
However we need lawmakers who know who they work for...the peeps.
RN
Off topic.... Gov.Palin is going to debate camp. WTF?
NYUK NYUK NYUK whats a debate??????? Hey MOO!
She is a GOVENOR.
Really people c'mon!!!
Rick Noriega @ 20:
1. Against corruption.
2. We need to prosecute folks who got us into this mess.
3. I will be a lawmaker who makes my calendar public if I am meeting with lobbyist.
Mike @ 18:
I would very much like to meet with your fellow club members. Call our campaign office and talk to our Scheduler and they will also put you in touch with our Students for Rick. Check out our Face Book page.
Hello Rick,
As a former educator, what are your thoughts on NCLB and how do you see its future? Thanks.
brokenarrow @ 21:
On topic, our campaign will have 2 debates with Cornyn; Oct 9th Houston, PBS; Oct 16 Dallas, PBS.
Sign up for our email list and we'll keep you posted.
If elected, would you publicly seek prosecution of high level Bush admin officials for war crimes over Gitmo, CIA prisons, and torture?
Rick, how is the campaign going so far? Texas has been so used to voting for Republicans statewide that it must be a steep climb. I see that Democrats are very inspired by you and by Obama. But you're going to need a lot more than just enthusiastic Democrats. Do see anything to make you think you're making headway with independents.
Hey Rick,
I know y'all are up against your quarterly deadline. Where can we go to give before then?
Rick Noriega @ 23:
The Agggies for Rick Noriega facebook group can be found here and contact info for the Houston office is here Mike.
Hey, Rick.
Wish you had more media up: It appears to be a stealth campaign.
With best wishes,
a poor contributor
Rick Noriega @ 22:
Good answers Rick. Watch out for GOP traps in DC. The reason I asked you those questions was to get you on record.
I really hope you keep the transparent calender. Lobbyists and corruption go hand in hand. Be careful.
I myself am fed up and tired of all the bs these lobbyists have caused.
Good Luck Rick.
grs @ 24:
Please see our website for our full Education Plan that was released a few weeks ago. NCLB is flawed. It needs to be amended if not repealed. Teachers are tired of teaching a test. Unfunded mandates from the feds ties the teachers hands.
Hello Rick, so glad you could join us. Congratulations on the big victory.
Countdown to how long before Republicans start smearing him for his last name...
5, 4, 3, 2...
Rick Noriega @ 32:
Here's a link to the Education plan.
Rick Noriega @ 32:
Thank you. I'll be sure to check that plan.
Kyuzo @ 34:
Interestingly enough, no one under the age of 35 ever seems to mention that. I talk with college students about that joke and they just don't get it. Not that that is a bad thing...
monoglot @ 30:
Thank you for all your support. We are running a grassroots campaign. The junior senator has taken sooo much money from special interest that we've always known and have said that this was a David vs Goliath challenge.
Our campaign will win. He will always have more money but we will have more VOTES.
P.S. our friends can continue to help $ @ www.ricknoriega.com
John Amato @ 32:
Thanks
Rick,
Please use this forum to show your credentials from your time in the Texas senate.
Rick
Best wishes on your campaign I'm in New Orleans but my family is still in Texas and you have their votes
Mt Carmel High Class of 77
Rick Noriega @ 37:
Some of the special interest cash of Cornyn's....
Larry @ 39:
10 yrs in the TX House
Committees served; Appropriations, Human Services, Transportation, Corrections, Land & Resource Management, Military Affairs.
Passed significant legislation dealing with economic development, higher ed, healthcare/CHIP, public safety, environment just to name a few.
Rick, Where do you stand on off shore drilling and newer sources of energy?
I didn't mean to be disrespectful up there.
You have to be super careful with everything you say now. That was my point.
At any rate . Good luck Rick. I'm sure you'll do a fine job in DC.
mudshark @ 43:
Thanks. We already have offshore drilling in TX. Any increased drilling should be left up to states and should be dedicated to domestic use. Please see our full Energy Plan for energy self sufficiency at www.ricknoriega.com.
ouch what a welcome - being accused of being a Republican. Damn. ;)
ok, i see its fixed now.
Rick Noriega @ 42:
Sorry I'm so excited about the idea of Senator Noriega (D - TX) I screwed up.How about your wife filling in for you during your time in service. I have nothing but respect for the service you and your family have provided.
Rick,
Good luck from two contributors in Lubbock TX!
What do you think is the most effective argument(s) we could use to urge our R friends to ditch Cornyn and to vote for you? Maybe something that is a big Cornyn weakness and a strength for you?
Nick Waterwall @ 40:
Hey Nick
Thanks for your well wishes. Class of 76. I called and wrote the Cardinal not to close our school but they had other ideas. Good luck to you.
Rick Noriega @ 44:
Thank You Rick. I'll check out your site. I am aware of the over 4000 rigs and platforms in the Gulf.
But are you for more offshore drilling(personally) or do you think we should drill on land more.For the time being.
I myself think we should drill on land first before we go back in to the gulf or oceans. Those rigs have taken a beating a number of times in the last 3-4 years.
Rick,
I just noticed something interesting about Wachovia's financial statement. Here were a couple of huge insider trades on 9/15:
Recent Insider Trading Activity: Wachovia Corp
Date Name Transaction Num Shares Price(s) Value
09/15/08 BAKER JOHN D II Purchase 25,000 $12.25 306,250.00
09/15/08 GOODWIN WILLIAM H JR Purchase 1 Mil $11.00 11.00 Mil
The day Paulson tried to hold up Congress was 9/18. Wachovia would have been a big beneficiary of Paulson's kind-heartedness. Coincidence?
cfb @ 47:
Are they better off now than they were 6 years ago? We hold a private in the service to a higher degree of accountability and responsibility than we do a US Senator from TX.
96% voting with the Bush admin
Gas prices up from $1.35 to $4 since Cornyn in office.
Health care premiums up 80% in past 6 years.
Economic crisis which came about because of Cornyn supporting policies of less regulation and taking $4 mill from Wall Street...and the list goes on.
It's time we had a Senator that represents TX families and not Washington special interests.
mudshark @ 49:
For drilling we should maximize output from existing leases. Offshore with state consent dedicated for domestic use. All options should be considered to increase choices and lessen dependence on foreign imports from unstable parts of the world. Opposed to ANWR drilling, believe that should be passed on to our kids.
Rick,
Since you can see Mexico from Texas, do you consider that foreign policy experience?
On a serious note, I'm curious of your policy on immigration and the concerns of illegal immigration since Texas is a border state. Thanks you.
I think Rick might have to be heading out to an event in about 10-15 minutes so if folks have burning questions, we should ask them now!
Rick Noriega @ 10:
Rick, anent, coastal damage:
Isn’t there a law in texas that effectively prohibits the poor to recover their property–real estate–in the aftermath of a catastrophic disaster?
it may be phrased in boilerplate, but that’s the jist of it, nest paw?
i know you’re not running for state office, but as US senator, you’d expect to have some local influence. What could you do to reduce the harm to the least able to fight the SysteM?
A lot of wind blew away TX’s coastline and now a lot of wind is blowing away TX’s homes and savings accounts. Texans are resilient and are putting their lives back together after Ike.
It was an honor as always to work with TX soldiers.
This credit crisis is perhaps equally frightening. However we need leaders in TX that will not violate the public trust and will be straightforward with the impending crisis.
Rick, My last question.
Do you think President Bush should have been impeached?
Thank You, and good night.
grs @ 53:
I will be the only senator who has commanded troops on the border in conjunction with USBP. Hopefully my study of foreign policy at the "Bush" School of Government, Certificate Advanced International Affairs, MPA from the Kennedy School, US. Army Command & General Staff College gives me the book learning...My practical experience of traveling abroad, the Harv. Business school to Europe, commanding soldiers in Afghanistan along with various missions overseas; bilingual, might give me a broad perspective.
Our full immigration policy is posted at www.ricknoriega.com
1. Border Security-but no wall which Cornyn voted for 3 times
2. Increase visas for blue collar, white collar, but know who they are, where they are and what they're doing
3. Process that brings people out of the shadows, pay fine, taxes, learn English whatever, send bad actors home.
4. Go after illegal employers.
KTinTX @ 54:
Thanks for coming by and chatting. I want to especially urge non-Texans to donate something to Rick's campaign today. Rick in Texas is good for Texas, of course, but it's good for everyone in America. Here's the Blue America ActBlue page.
Thank you so much for coming on C&L. You were wonderful....
mudshark @ 57:
Will electing Barack Obama on November 4th qualify?
DownWithTyranny @ 59:
Thanks for hosting. Ya'll have been in our corner for over a year now in this fight to turn TX blue. We will collectively be proud on Nov. 4. Thanks
Thank you.
We wish you Rick and all the good people of Texas all the best.
http://www.ricknoriega.com
Yo Rick. Great job winning this contest. Hope all is well and Thanks for fighting so hard for the American people!!! Hopefully things continue to go well. Take care. Thanks. Godspeed.
Hey Rick Noriega, why did you put up a statement that you were outraged that the taxpayer was going to be forced to shoulder the $700 billion even before there was a bailout bill and even before McCain had even arrived in Washington. That seems a little early for me and not the only solution to the problem. Who did you speak with that told you about the forcing of a $700 Billion dollar bailout?
Rick,
I pray for you daily brother. Keep hammering. We love you in Fort Bend.
Fight on!
Richard
Good luck Mr. Noriega with Obama doing so well and Bush's econemy doing so bad you may just have a chance.
Best wishes, Mr. Noriega! I have faith that you will win and go to Washington!
Congratulations! I hopes he wins. But I have been seeing Cornyn's annoying ad on TV every 20 seconds and no sign of Noriega's.
Rick Noriega @ 58:
That's a brilliant answer. Thank you. I'm glad you specifically cited your stance on the border wall. I wish you and the state of Texas good luck.
I live in San Antonio. Where is your campaign office located in SA?
yaya @ 71:
Check his campaign site it should have a link listed as "contact"
There is a lot of blame to go around both the R & D...Who ever was involved in this mess should be prosecuted and have their assets frozen. They should be stripped of every penny they have. Even if it means leaving their children broke like the rest of us. let them earn their living the same way we all do. I want to see prosecutions. I have a group that we will be starting this weekend. We will make noise and we will seek justice of anyone no matter if they are republicans or democrats. That includes Clinton, Obama, Bush, McCain...
Hey Rick -- former SigO here (OIF-1). Hate to be a d*ck, but I think you better check-fire on that photograph of yourself in ACU with a political party affiliation. Comes very close to the UCMJ definition of endorsing partisan politics while in uniform. Hooah. Gremlin out.
Give em hell Rick!
Good luck, Mr. Noriega. It would be awesome to see "D-TX" flash across the bottom of the TV screen!
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