Texas Newspaper Endorsements - Cornyn: 14, Noriega: 0
Noriega Changes Tune, Says Editors "Out of Touch," Claims Campaign Boost
PRESS RELEASE
October 20, 2008
Over the weekend, the Austin American-Statesman, the Bryan-College Station Eagle, and the Corpus Christi Caller-Times added their voices to those urging Sen. Cornyn's re-election. Eleven other large and medium-sized dailies had previously endorsed Sen. Cornyn, including the Dallas Morning News, Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, San Antonio Express-News, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, and Amarillo Globe-News.
Even Noriega's home town paper, the Houston Chronicle, which has endorsed Democrats in virtually every contested race this year, has thus far decided to sit out this election rather than endorse Noriega.
These judgments have prompted a dramatic reversal in Rep. Noriega's view of newspaper editors. Last February, when several newspapers backed Noriega over his nearly-invisible primary opponents, the Noriega campaign issued a press release underscoring the importance of newspaper endorsements. In February, these editorials were "demonstrating the enthusiasm across the state for his candidacy," the Noriega campaign claimed. (Noriega Press Release, "As Early Voting Begins, Rick Noriega Excited To Take His Campaign to All Texans," 2/19/08)
But now that editors are choosing Cornyn over Noriega, the state representative has a decidedly different viewpoint. In an interview this weekend, Noriega again angrily lashed out at the state's major print media editors, saying they were "out of touch" with reality. In fact, in trademark Noriega fashion, he said with a straight face the newspapers are so "out of touch" with their readership that their endorsements of Cornyn actually HELP his campaign! (Rio Grande Guardian, "Noriega: Cornyn endorsements show dailies are out of touch,"10/19/08)
If it's any comfort to newspaper editors, they are not the only major media to earn failing grades from Noriega. In August, Noriega accused Texas broadcasters at their annual meeting of having regular secret meetings with the Cornyn campaign and asking him unfair questions as a result. He upbraided them for failing to properly cover his campaign and urged them to focus on issues instead of "diversions" he found irrelevant. (KVUE: Political Junkie, "Noriega Throws TV News Bosses 'Under the Bus'" 8/10/08)
Noriega has not confined his media criticism to top news executives. He's even resorted to blaming interns for his miscues. In July, after unveiling an "energy plan" written by an anonymous consultant in Washington, Noriega appeared to contradict the plan by saying he would be open (not opposed) to additional oil and gas exploration in Alaska. Noriega was forced to reverse himself again a day later. He blamed that debacle on a "misleading" question posed by an "intern" working at the Austin American-Statesman. (Dallas Morning News: Trail Blazers, "Rick Noriega Clarifies: No Alaska Drilling", 7/27/08)
Newspaper endorsement interviews often involve detailed policy discussions. For anyone interested in getting inside this process, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times has posted a link to video segments of its discussion with both candidates. Watching these two video clips is instructive in determining why every Texas daily thus far has recommended re-election for Sen. Cornyn (View Senator Cornyn's interview, View Rick Noriega's interview)
Then and now...Rick Noriega on newspaper endorsements:
Then...
"Noriega has earned the endorsements of key newspapers...demonstrating the enthusiasm across the state for his candidacy." (Noriega Press Release, "As Early Voting Begins, Rick Noriega Excited To Take His Campaign to All Texans," 2/19/08)
And now...
"I don't think the endorsements count for much...It is very seldom that you have a grassroots, insurgent, campaign, like the one we are running, win the backing of the major dailies. It would be very unusual for the dailies to go against the incumbent establishment candidate."
(Noriega claims that, if anything, so many endorsements for Senator Cornyn actually boost his campaign.)
"I have spoken people from Corpus Christi. I have spoken with people from Fort Worth. They are coming up to me to say it enrages them. They are asking how their paper can be so out of touch," he said...How can you be so out of touch?...It's like, what world do you live in?" (Rio Grande Guardian, "Noriega: Cornyn endorsements show dailies are out of touch,"10/19/08)
What Texas Newspaper Editorial Boards Are Saying About Senator Cornyn
San Antonio Express-News
"As a freshman senator, Texas Republican John Cornyn made his presence felt in Washington without hesitation. Cornyn has left his mark on a broad array of issues befitting a public servant whose previous experience included being a state district court judge in Bexar County, a member of the Texas Supreme Court and the state's attorney general.... The Texan showed a willingness to tackle difficult issues such as entitlement reform, and he did it with creative thinking.... Cornyn gained valuable experience during his first term... Texans will be best served by sending Cornyn back to Washington for another term." (San Antonio Express-News, "Cornyn has earned second Senate term," 10/17/08)
Dallas Morning News
"In his six years as Texas' junior U.S. senator, John Cornyn has earned a reputation as a steady, conservative leader, generally aligned with President Bush.... Mr. Cornyn, 56, is senatorial in every respect: congenial, deliberative and authoritative on topics from immigration reform to the war in Iraq or the nation's ongoing financial crisis. That's why this newspaper recommends Mr. Cornyn for another six years in Washington." (Dallas Morning News, "We recommend John Cornyn for U.S. Senate," 10/12/08)
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
"Cornyn, 56, took his lifelong commitment to government transparency and public access to information with him to Washington and found a kindred spirit in Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont. The two worked together for three years on passage of the Freedom of Information Reform Act, important changes that shed more light on government and expand Americans' right to know what's going on. In his first term, Cornyn has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to reach across the aisle to work with key Democrats on issues such as enhanced housing benefits for military veterans, an accelerated citizenship process for noncitizens who serve in the military and a homeland security allocations process that distributes funds based on risk assessment rather than an equal share for every state. Let's face it: Idaho and Texas aren't equal when it comes to potential targets for terrorists." (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, "Recommendation: Cornyn for U.S. Senate," 10/12/08)
Austin American-Statesman
"But though Cornyn is a loyal Republican, he's also shown an ability to work with Democrats - a skill he may have to use often if the next Congress is as Democratic as polls suggest it will be and if he wants to accomplish anything for the nation and for Texas. For instance, he co-sponsored an effort with Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., for the federal government to regulate tobacco, and he worked with Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., on legislation to prosecute people in this country who committed genocide elsewhere. And the public should especially appreciate Cornyn's work with Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., to pass legislation that significantly strengthened the Freedom of Information Act." (Austin American-Statesman, "Cornyn should stay in D.C., move toward center," 10/20/08)
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
"U.S. Sen. John Cornyn has earned re-election to another six-year term based on his long-standing commitment to the values and issues of importance to the folks back home. The Republican incumbent believes in a strong national defense, the public's right to know what their elected officials are doing via strong freedom of information laws, limited government, low taxes, the importance of families, and opportunity for all." (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, "Re-elect Republican Sen. John Cornyn," 10/17/08)
Amarillo Globe-News
"John Cornyn, the junior U.S. senator from Texas, has earned a second full term. It's not because he's been a publicity hound, a frontrunner or headline grabber. Instead, Cornyn has become a solid member of the Texas congressional delegation, serving as an able partner with fellow Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison." (Amarillo Globe-News, "Cornyn fits Texas best," 10/13/08)
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
"In a half hour or so of conversation with the Editorial Board, Cornyn was impressive, his knowledge of issues thorough in scope and depth from the continuing fiscal crisis to immigration to health care and tax policy....But the key to Cornyn's attractiveness as a candidate, and why the Editorial Board recommends his re-election, is that he is a thoughtful, congenial and intellectually honest political leader....John Cornyn is the best choice for the U.S. Senate." (Corpus Christi Caller-Times, "John Cornyn deserves another term in Senate," 10/18/08)
Midland Reporter-Telegram
"Cornyn has demonstrated powerful leadership in the areas of national defense and judicial matters. Cornyn is the best choice to represent Texas in Washington. This is a time when Texas needs an experienced hand in the Capitol. Cornyn has to be that choice." (Midland Reporter-Telegram, "Cornyn should be returned to U.S. Senate," 10/17/08)
Lufkin Daily News
Cornyn "has asked the attorney general and the FBI to investigate the origins of the problems that led to the bailout - starting with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and why they forced lenders to give money to people who obviously would not be able to pay it. Cornyn said he also got attached to the bailout bill a package that included relief for the victims of hurricanes Ike, Gustav and Dolly - a measure which, of course, will be of great benefit to Texas if it's used properly." (Lufkin Daily News, "Endorsements: Our choices for U.S. senator and U.S. representative," 10/16/08)
Beaumont Enterprise
"He has been a strong voice for Texas in Washington, a conservative but not an ideologue. Cornyn also has been one of the best advocates in Congress for open government." (Beaumont Enterprise, "Editorial: Beaumont Enterprise Announces its endorsements," 10/19/08)
Times Record News (Wichita Falls)
"Voters should not allow the economic struggles of the past few weeks [to] overshadow Cornyn's service to this state. The Times Record News has routinely endorsed Cornyn through his career, one that has been above reproach and worth extending." (Times Record News, "In our humble opinion (endorsements)," 10/19/08)
The Bryan/College Station Eagle
"With six years experience in the U.S. Senate, Cornyn is a major player on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget committees and a leading advocate for openness in government, would better represent the interests of this vast state. The Eagle recommends a vote for John Cornyn for a second term in the U.S. Senate." (The Bryan/College Station Eagle, "Cornyn is right choice for Senate," 10/20/08)
Kerrville Daily Times
"It is important to have a senator that represents and supports Texans. That's why we recommend John Cornyn. Cornyn also recognizes the importance of border security. His energy policies are sound and he places the interests of Texans above those of Washington. He also has served the citizens of Texas well and we need him to continue to do so in Washington. We strongly recommend John Cornyn." (Kerrville Daily Times, "Editorial: Recommendations for 2008 elections,", 10/18/08)
Marshall News Messenger
"Furthermore, we do believe Cornyn is an honest man and wants to do what is best. He deserves your vote on election day." (Marshall News Messenger, "U.S. Senator endorsement," 10/18/08)
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