2008 TX Senate Debates: on Environment

Rick Noriega: Reports for National Guard duty for Hurricane Ike response

Noriega, who was tweaked by the Cornyn camp for not canceling two campaign events as the storm moved inland, chided Cornyn for broadcasting campaign spots. “They chose to run an ad when 3 million people still don’t have power in the state of Texas,” said Noriega’s campaign.

Cornyn criticized Noriega for stumping in Killeen even as his Houston district “was pounded by Ike.” Cornyn’s campaign said, “This isn’t a time for gotcha politics. Everyone seems to realize this but Rick Noriega. He and his staff should be ashamed and owe those affected by Ike an apology.”

Noriega’s campaign responded, “Gotcha politics? Our entire campaign has been evacuated to Austin by Hurricane Ike.” The campaign noted that Noriega, a Texas National Guard officer, reported to Austin’s Camp Mabry Sunday to help with hurricane response support efforts.