Rick Noriega Failing His Brothers And Sisters In Arms

And all for the sake of gaining the graces of...well who knows who? But that is beside the point. Senator John Cornyn released a press release urging Noriega to support the new and improved G.I. Bill that would grant "transferability of education benefits, allowing Armed Service members to transfer unused benefits to their spouse and/or children. It is an improvement long sought by Senator Cornyn and opposed by Noriega."

Rick Noriega is way behind the curve on this bill, and apparently isn't getting the memos being sent from his own part leadership. The original bill, which made it nearly impossible to retain badly needed experienced soldiers, was of course supported by Noriega, who apparently wants to bleed the military of all seasoned soldiers thus making it harder for America to defend herself.

Senator Cornyn's campaign manager, Rob Jesmer, tore into State Representative Noriega like a pack of dogs on a three-legged cat:

"It's said that we recruit soldiers, but retain families. This bill will reward those military families, who also make sacrifices for our security," said Rob Jesmer, Cornyn's campaign manager. "Retention is vital to our military, and to our national ability to defend ourselves. We sincerely hope Rick Noriega will put aside his objections and get behind the improved version passed overwhelmingly by the House last week. The welfare of our fighting men and women should come before personal political advantage.”

“If Representative Noriega continues to oppose the transferability provision insisted upon by President Bush, Sen. McCain, Sen. Cornyn, and others, he should explain his reasons,” Jesmer added. "Just as Rick Noriega reluctantly endorsed Senator Cornyn’s legislation to build a new Veterans Hospital in South Texas, he ought to swallow his pride and endorse this good piece of legislation too.”

More than just his pride, perhaps Mr. Noriega will also need to begin learning to swallow the view of Senator Cornyn's hindquarters as the good Senator continues to lead in the polls and fundraising.