Noriega says new media making long-shot candidates relevant

State Rep. Rick Noriega speaks at the University of Texas: Politicker PhotoState Rep. Rick Noriega discussed how online media was changing the dynamics of elections at the Texas Politics forum at the University of Texas at Austin Monday afternoon.

Noriega said multi-media has "leveled the playing field" and allowed candidates with less money to compete in states with multiple expensive media markets like the ones in Texas. Although Noriega recently announced he raised more than $1 million during the last quarter, his opponent, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-San Antonio), has consistently and considerably out-raised him.

Nevertheless, Noriega said new media ventures such as Twitter and text messaging have "changed the dynamic of our democracy."

"Can you imagine folding and licking stamps...and all those things?" Noriega asked about campaigning without the technological advances that have allowed candidates to reach supporters online.

He said the online political activism has become more sophisticated since DNC Chairman Howard Dean's 2004 presidential campaign and it will "continue to evolve." The Senate candidate also referred the audience to his campaign website at least four times.

Noriega also said the young students like those in attendance "participate the least, but have the most to lose."

The Houston Democrat also spoke out about the economic bailout, higher education and border security.

His speech frequently mentioned the need to restore trust in government. Noriega also criticized political opponents, including Cornyn, for backing "failed" policies.

"There is not a policy you can turn to that has not failed...Failed economic policy. Failed energy policy. Failed immigration policy. Failed education system. Failed heath care policy," Noriega said.

He added Cornyn did not believe in "pay as you go government." Noriega tied the junior Senator to a mentality that politicians can "gamble" with investments because they can come back to "suckers" to foot the bill.

Noriega said he would have voted against the bailout bill that was finally approved last week. On Sept. 29, moments before the House rejected the original bailout plan, Noriega would not commit to how he would vote. He did, however, express his disproval with the bill's first incarnation.

He criticized the legislature's decision to deregulate college tuition which he said led to a "tax on the middle class" because of increasing attendance costs. Noriega said he was "happy" the Texas Tomorrow Fund had been restarted and praised Texas A&M University for locking in students' tuition in their first year so they can budget accordingly.

On immigration, Noriega claimed if elected he would be the only senator to have commanded a border patrol. He said their needs to be more border security not a "wall to nowhere."