Promoted by Steven D.
Rick Noriega has answered the Call to Duty once again He has answered this call several times in the past and has made Texas Proud. He has served in the Texas Army National Guard and has risen to the rank of Lt. Colonel. He has served 5 terms in the Texas Legislature as a Representative from the Houston area. During his time in the Texas legislature, Rick has received a 100% rating from NARAL in his votes for women=s issues. Children at Risk gave Rep. Noriega an A for his efforts in regard to key children=s issues for the 80th legislative session that ended in June. He has distinguished himself in leading bipartisan efforts for teacher pay raises, border security, and opening doors for Texas students to attend college. This is the type of Leader needed in the US Senate not only by Texas but all of America.
The Texas Netroots first formed a Draft Rick movement and now we are actively working to get Rick Noriega elected as our Next Senator. A senator from Texas who believes in Equal Rights, better health care for all, ending the war in Iraq, and doing what is right for all Americans. Join The Noriega Express and help send a True Texas Leader to Washington.
When the Federal government’s meager response to Hurricane Katrina failed to help families in need, Rick Noriega joined Mayor Bill White of Houston in opening their arms to their neighbors from Louisiana. Recently back from Afghanistan, Rick pulled many 20 hour shifts commanding the shelter operation at the George R. Brown Convention Center that housed thousands of Texas= guest from New Orleans. Rep. Noriega has proven he is willing to go the extra mile for people and now is the time for the people to go the extra mile and help get him elected.
Rick attended Yealy Kos where he wowed the crowd and became a Rock Star. He has also done live blogging at both Daily Kos and Firedoglake. I could Go on and on about why I am supporting Rick Noriega as the next Senator from Texas but I think hearing Rep. Noriega’s answers to important questions will tell you much more.
My question regards the 57 Democrats (16 in the Senate) who voted with Republicans on the recent FISA revisions. These Democrats sided with the President that the threat to this country is so great that we must relinquish some of our freedoms in order to remain safe. Many of these Democrats feared political retribution for appearing “soft on terrorism.” Would you explain to us your feelings on whether amending FISA was appropriate; on exchanging freedoms for security; and on the political triangulation of Democrats afraid to stand for their beliefs in the face of withering Republican counterattacks?
Rick Moriega “FISA is about Repubs again using fear as a political motivator. It’s unfortunate that we relinquish liberty to folks like our administration and the Attorney General. We need people in DC that have walked the walk and can speak with credibility on these issues without being afraid.”
I’m an old lady who grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and Corpus Christi. The Borderlands are a special place to me and the idea of an ugly fence cutting off the centuries old interchange just grates. Perhaps Tom Tancredo really thinks that all those place names in Texas were put on the map by some pilgrim with a Spanish/English dictionary.
Rick Noriega “The current leadership believes that you lead by dividing people. I believe we need new leadership that calls out to people to work together.”
Welcome Rick! In the wake of last weekend’s FISA vote we want it to be a priority to support and elect people with backbone. Are you willing to go on the record saying you’ll promote the repeal the changes if they become permanent in six months? Also would you promote (or support) changes to the Military Commissions Act?
Rick Noriega “If you look at my voting record over the past 5 sessions you’ll see a history of me tanding up. I do believe that the Congress avoided a bullet with the 6-month deal.
Let’s see what they do. Ironically, when the Democrats take control of the White House, it will be the Repubs pushing for the repeal….what’s good for the goose….”
Hi Rick! Howie’s told me great things about you.
My question is about running as a progressive in a state whose economy is based on extractive industries and industries tied to the war (aerospace, etc). How do you do it? In a lot of ways, you’re asking voters to vote against their economic self-interest. Of course, you could expand the voting pool, or maybe there are dynamics in Texas I don’t understand.
Still, there’s a reason the state is super-red, and I’m curious how to deal with that. One model could be Montana last cycle, but that’s a Western state and Texas is regionally speaking mostly a Southern state with different dynamics.
Rick’s answer: “First I would say that Texas isn’t as red as some folks would like you to believe; this election will prove that.
Second, you are right. Our state depends a lot on the energy industry to drive our economy. As long as we have to burn things to produce things in Texas, we’ve got to push clean burning natural gas. We’ve got to push new technologies and innovations. Texas has to lead the way in this arena or else we will become the next rust belt.”
Rick, welcome to Firedoglake. I’m sure everywhere here is as eager as I am to know how a real PROGRESSIVE Democrat is going to win in one of the redder states in the country. Tell us how you can make our contributions work for bringing about a better America via Texas.
Rick’s answer: “We’ve got to get back to the basics of “We the People.” We all must answer the call to service for our state and nation for the common good.”
Hi Rick,
Best Wishes to You.
A fence (a massive concrete wall, really, like Isr*el’s fences) cannot keep desperate people from risking their lives to come to the US.
Isn’t the fence really just a boondoggle?
Rick’s answer: “I have been very vocal against the fence. The leadership from El Paso to Brownsville have voiced the same concern. Chief Aguilar, US Border Patrol has said it will not work.
From military doctrine, there are two types of obstacles in Principles of the Defense; man-made and natural. In both cases you have to have eyes on the obstacle because any and all can be negotiated.
We in Texas are fortunate that God gave us a river obstacle.
We need eyes on the river, new technology and boots on the ground to apprehend.
Simple answers to problems is what Repubs like to quote like “a Wall.” The answer to a 12 foot fence would be a 13 foot ladder.
This is why we need serious representation in DC to address this issue. Mr. Cornyn has been an obstructionist.”
Hi Rick and Melissa! Good to see you both here.
Rick – there issues that you and your primary opponent totally disagree on, but one trumps them all for me. He actually describes himself as pro-life, which I prefer to call pro-forced-pregnancy. Can you comment on your stand on women’s reproductive rights?
Rick’s answer: “100% voting record with TARAL/NARAL. I’ve witnessed in Afghanistan when a government tells women what they can and cannot do, what they can and cannot wear.
This is not the role of government. Women’s rights are continuously under siege.
It is another deliberate distracter, or wedge issue by the far right.”
In the past few years we have seen the Republican Party discriminate and refuse to pass legislation to end discrimination for the GLBT Community. If you are elected, will you work to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and “Hate Crimes” Bill?
Rick’s answer: “I’ve voted for all hate crime leg. in the TX hse. I was one of 13? votes against HJR 6 in TX.
I hate bullies. Folks that gratuitously “other” people like the Repubs often do violate my vision of We the People.”
These are just a few of the great answers Rick gave on Firedoglake. You can read the comment sections at both Daily Kos and Firedoglake to see what a great Leader he will be for America and Texas!!! Please join The Noriega Express as we work to elect a True Texas Hero and Leader as our Next US Senator!!!
