Tyler

Standing on a tree stump at Bergfeld Park Sunday afternoon, Democratic U.S. senatorial challenger State Rep. Rick Noriega told supporters that his opponent was not about standing up for Texans.

"I'm seeking the race for the United States Senate because I know we can do better," Noriega said.

Sunday's visit to Bergfeld Park was one of two stops made by the candidate in Smith County. That evening, a fundraiser and rally was held at the Liebbe Ranch in Lindale.

During his speech, Noriega told a crowd of more than 50 about the importance of voting, not just in the presidential election, but straight ticket during the November general election.

He said that while voters may be excited to vote on the larger presidential ticket, voting down-ballot is paramount for the Democratic Party in Texas.

"We have to keep building the Democratic Party in Texas," he said.

Noriega, a 27-year veteran of the military and Lieutenant colonel the U.S. Army National Guard, attacked his opponent for his failure to support military personnel by not providing them with proper body armor or medical care for returning soldiers.

Noriega criticized his opponent, Republican Sen. John Cornyn, for his pandering to special interest groups in Washington, big oil companies and HMOs.

"He's not about representing the interest of Texans," he said, adding that Cornyn is a recipient of large contributions from special interest groups.

Calling his competitor "out of touch" with families and the middle class Texans across the state, Noriega urged East Texans to make a change and replace Cornyn in the U.S. Senate.

Noriega also touched on the importance of stricter penalties for businesses that employ illegal aliens, utilizing wind and solar power, and increasing health insurance for Texas children.

A graduate of the University of Houston and Harvard University, Noriega is a member of the Defense Affairs and State and Federal Relations Committee of the Texas House of Representatives where he has served as the state representatives for the Houston's District 145 since 1998.

A father of two sons, he is married to At-Large Houston City Council member Melissa Noriega.

Rick Noriega, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, speaks to a small crowd during a public rally Sunday at Bergfeld Park in Tyler.
(Staff Photo By Mark Roberts)