The Republican Party of Texas, and by extension, Senator John Cornyn, has requested that Rick Noriega release his military records to them. I am astounded and outraged at the implications of this request. Over the past few years, some Republicans have conducted the most dishonest and disreputable attacks on veterans that our nation has ever seen.

I will not stand for this.

Rick Noriega's campaign will release his military records to the public, but we will not allow the kind of smear campaign that some of Cornyn's allies have made all too familiar.

Mr. Noriega has not only served in the Guard and Reserves for almost three decades, but also as a legislative aide to members of the Texas National Guard in obtaining federal health services and educational opportunities. He spearheaded legislation to create a database of medical, social and economic resources for military personnel seeking benefits they've been promised by the government.

While Rick has sacrificed, Cornyn rejected responsible troop deployment limits, twice voted against increased funding for veteran health care, against funding for armored vehicles, against increased funding for TRICARE while allowing TRICARE fees to triple, and voted against protecting soldiers' civilian salaries while they're serving in Iraq.

I will not tolerate the dishonoring of military service. I will fight back.