Rick Noriega is not the stereotypical Democrat that has been defeated election after election by Republicans in Texas’ past national elections. With his bi-partisan credentials and military service in Afghanistan, Noriega’s leadership is something all Texans need in Washington and America needs as a whole.

Noriega has a wealth of experiences in his own life that would benefit him as a servant in the U.S. Senate. Noriega joined the military after the Iranian Hostage Crisis in 1979 and served in the Texas National Guard when he was deployed to Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 attacks.

No matter who is elected president in the upcoming election, the war in Iraq and America’s foreign policy will be issues that require leadership in the Senate. Who better to guide America through the tough upcoming decisions than a retired Lieutenant Colonel that helped Houston Mayor Bill White coordinate and accommodate over 30,000 New Orleans evacuees in the wake of Hurricane Katrina?

Natural disasters will always impact Texas. While Dallas may be relatively safe from hurricanes, Texas needs a voice in Washington with experience on these issues in order to ensure that costal areas get the resources they need.

Another important aspect of Noriega is his reputation as a moderate Democrat. Noriega understands that the Texas economy benefits from oil and natural gas. His energy policy advocates making Texas energy independent by utilizing both renewable resources and Texas’ vast wealth of non-renewable resources like oil and natural gas.

Noriega represents what makes the state of Texas great. He looks to build consensus and is not afraid to work with people who may see the world in a different light. As evidence by his vast service to this country, it is obvious that Noriega’s desire is to serve his country, not to manage it like a bureaucrat.

One-term incumbent John Cornyn has not been a complete failure. However, his proximity to George W. Bush on Iraq and national security issues is disconcerting. Also, unlike his Republican counterpart Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Cornyn seemingly lacks the desire or ability to get Texans the resources from Washington that they need.

With the Senate, House and possibly even the presidency leaning Democratic, why should Texans be left out in the cold? Noriega fairly represents Texas ideologically and with his approach to service. Therefore, the Daily Campus strongly recommends the Noriega for U.S. Senate because he has the power, will and political clout to get Texans what they need.