Noriega Serves, Cornyn Mugs In Front of the Cameras With Chertoff

What are the two Texans who are vying for the same seat in the US Senate doing in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike? Well I just got an email message from Rick Noriega, telling me what he will be doing, despite the fact that we are only 6 weeks from the beginning of early voting. Rather than tell you I’ll let you read it for yourself. It’s short, sweet and to the point:

Dear Hal,

I hope this note finds you safe.

Hurricane Ike's effects have been devastating. It's critical we get millions of Texans the help they need.

I reported to Camp Mabry, serving with the 36th Division Headquarters, Texas Army National Guard, with the G-3 section charged with operations and planning. During this time, I am canceling campaign events.

I encourage you to volunteer with your local Red Cross.

And please consider making a donation to the Red Cross.

Together, we can make a difference.

For Texas,

Rick Noriega

Disclaimer: Rick Noriega is a member of the Army National Guard. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense

Camp Mabry is the headquarters for all Texas military services. Rick will be using his management skills to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts in the areas devastated by Hurricane Ike.

John Cornyn, on the other hand, continues to stand in front of the cameras as he and the senior senator from Texas, Kay Bailey Hutchison, go on tour with FEMA director Michael Chertoff.

Here is a small part of his press release:

“Today I joined Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in surveying the regions that suffered a direct hit from Hurricane Ike.”

Cornyn continued with fawning praise of Rick Perry, Michael Chertoff and FEMA in general. This amid news that the two gentlemen are very busy pointing fingers at each other and everywhere else. Amid news that food, water and supplies have again not made it to the devastated areas because of FEMA’s world renowned lackadaisical organizational skills.

Now in response to Ike, John Cornyn’s staffers decided to pull his television ads that were scheduled to begin airing on Friday.

“Cornyn, who appeared at official government events over the weekend
connected to the hurricane, said now is not the time for campaigning. He said he
wasn't necessarily referring to Noriega.”

No, not necessarily. In actual fact. Too bad Big Bad John didn’t check to see what national guard reservists usually do when disaster strikes. Had he done so, maybe he wouldn’t have fired a bullet into his foot in full public view.

So what are our two senatorial candidates doing in response to Hurricane Ike? Well isn’t it obvious? They’re each doing what they do best. Cornyn is best at mugging for the cameras, looking important, and very, very concerned.

Rick Noriega is best at service to the people who are in crying need. In his role as incident commander at the George R. Brown Convention Center after Hurricane Katrina hit, Noriega proved his calm, competent ability to get things done.

Now John Cornyn has looked real nice on TV all this weekend. Each and every white hair was in place as he read his prepared statements into camera lenses. But that notwithstanding, I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have a US Senator who knows how things work and how to get things done.

I’ll be voting for Rick Noriega.