Rick Noriega in 2008 TX Senate Debates

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

Noriega accused Cornyn of backing a bailout bill that was loaded with pork projects and intended to help Wall Street more than Texas families. Cornyn argued that Noriega wouldn’t have taken any action, which he said isn’t acceptable for an elected leader.

On Government Reform: Legislative escape tp Okla. protected Voting Rights Act

But Noriega said it had to be done to protect the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act. Republicans have repeatedly criticized the more than 50 Democrats who fled to Oklahoma in a move that brought the 2003 legislative session to a standstill. But Democratic strategists insist the issue was a positive one for Democratic lawmakers.

On Health Care: Enroll all Texas kids in CHIP and other government plans

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: Immigration system is broken; deport undocumented workers

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: Served in Afghanistan as Lt. Colonel in Army National Guard

On Environment: 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.