John Cornyn in 2008 TX Senate Debates

On Budget & Economy: Inaction on $700B bailout is unacceptable leadership

The Senate candidates both said those who committed wrongdoing in the financial crisis should be held accountable.

On Budget & Economy: Voting for $700B bailout demonstrates leadership

On Health Care: Don’t expand CHIP nationally until all Texans are covered

Cornyn said before expanding CHIP nationally he wants to make sure all eligible Texas children are signed up. Noriega said Cornyn voted multiple times against children’s health insurance programs.

On Immigration: More secure documents needed to enforce immigration laws

Eventually, both said they wouldn’t stand for having undocumented workers at their homes.

“I don’t work for Immigration,” Noriega said, but when pressed said an undocumented worker would need to be deported. After the debate he said, “If it came to my attention that someone was in violation of the law, yes, I would report them.”

Cornyn said more secure documents are needed so immigration laws can be enforced. When asked again after the debate about the hypothetical scenario, he said, “I don’t think it’s appropriate to hire people who are not legally here in the United States and I would look for somebody else to legally do that work.”

On Principles & Values: Criticizes Noriega for campaigning during Hurricane Ike

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.