One-time rival now backs Noriega

Rick Noriega's most vocal opponent during the recent primary for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate said Monday that he's backing his former foe "without reservation" in the coming campaign against first-term Republican John Cornyn.

"I endorse Rick Noriega for the United States Senate," said Ray McMurrey, the Corpus Christi school teacher who came in third last week. "During this primary, Rick has always been a gentleman and shown kindness to me and my family. I have the highest respect for his military service to this country and his legislative experience in the Texas House of Representatives."

Noriega, a five-term House member who also served in Afghanistan with the Army National Guard, won the primary with nearly 51 percent of the vote. Perennial candidate Gene Kelly came in a distant second, even though he did virtually no campaigning.

McMurrey, a political newcomer, ran a spirited but low-budget race and came in third. Noriega, left in the photo, and McMurrey, made several joint campaign appearances during the primary.

Bringing up the rear was Rhett Smith, a gadfly who has run for several races in both parties over the years. No word on whether the other two also-rans will make an endorement in the Senate race. But McMurrey says he'll do whatever it takes to help Noriega in November

"Without reservation, I will lead a get-out-the-vote movement in my area to elect Rick Noriega," he said.

-- John Moritz

Comments

[annatopia]

that's a very classy statement and a great example of how democrats should unite for the november elections. thanks for posting this john.