Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial moves to Texas Senate for deliberation on 16 articles.
AUSTIN, Texas Senate Deliberates Impeachment Trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton
After eight days of intense witness testimony, members of the state Senate in Austin, Texas are currently deliberating whether Attorney General Ken Paxton is guilty of 16 articles of impeachment. The trial has captured the attention of the nation as the defense counsel and prosecutors made their closing arguments before Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presided over the proceedings.
Paxton’s lead defense lawyer, Tony Buzbee, passionately argued that the prosecution had presented a case “with no evidence” other than their personal dislike for Paxton. Buzbee labeled the trial as a “political witch hunt within the Republican Party.”
However, Republican Rep. Andrew Murr, Chairman of the House Board of Impeachment Managers, warned in his closing argument that acquitting Paxton on all charges would enable him to continue abusing his power if he were to return to office. Murr emphasized that Paxton had betrayed the people of Texas and must be held accountable.
The articles of impeachment against Paxton stem from allegations that he used his position to assist real estate developer Nate Paul in investigating the FBI and accepting bribes. The Senate jurors, consisting of 19 Republicans and 12 Democrats, must base their decision on the evidence presented during the trial, disregarding media reports or statements made by lawyers.
The senators will deliberate until Friday evening and continue on Saturday. If they fail to reach a conclusion by Sunday, Lt. Gov. Patrick has warned that they will be required to stay in the building until a decision is reached, even if it means sleeping in their offices.
Once the 30 voting senators have individually reached their decisions, they will return to the Senate floor to vote on each charge. If Paxton is convicted on any of the articles, he will be immediately terminated from his position. Additionally, a second vote will determine whether he should be permanently barred from holding public office in the state.
The 16 Articles of Impeachment:
- Disregard of Official Duty – Protection of Charitable Organization: Paxton allegedly harmed the Roy F. & JoAnn Cole Mitte Foundation in an effort to benefit Nate Paul.
- Disregard of Official Duty – Abuse of the Opinion Process: Paxton concealed his actions by manipulating the opinion process to benefit Nate Paul.
- Disregard of Official Duty – Abuse of the Open Records Process: Paxton directed employees to act contrary to the law regarding public information requests.
- Disregard of Official Duty – Misuse of Official Information: Paxton improperly obtained and used non-public information for the benefit of Nate Paul.
- Disregard of Official Duty – Engagement of Cammack: Paxton engaged an attorney to conduct a baseless investigation to benefit Nate Paul.
- Disregard of Official Duty – Termination of Whistleblowers: Paxton allegedly terminated employees who reported his unlawful actions.
- Misapplication of Public Resources – Whistleblower Investigation and Report: Paxton directed a sham investigation into whistleblower complaints.
- Disregard of Official Duty – Settlement Agreement: Paxton entered into a settlement agreement that delayed the discovery of facts and testimony.
- Constitutional Bribery – Paul’s Employment of Mistress: Paxton allegedly benefited from Nate Paul’s employment of a woman with whom Paxton had an affair.
- Constitutional Bribery – Paul’s Providing Renovations to Paxton Home: Paxton allegedly benefited from renovations provided by Nate Paul.
- False Statements in Official Records – Whistleblower Response Report: Paxton made false or misleading statements in response to whistleblower allegations.
- Conspiracy and Attempted Conspiracy: Paxton conspired with others to commit acts while holding office.
- Misappropriation of Public Resources: Paxton misused his powers by causing employees to perform services for his benefit.
- Dereliction of Duty: Paxton violated the Texas Constitution, his oaths of office, and public policy.
- Unfitness for Office: Paxton engaged in misconduct indicating his unfitness for office.
- Abuse of Public Trust: Paxton used his powers to obstruct justice and bring the Office of Attorney General into disrepute.
As the Senate continues its deliberations, the fate of Attorney General Ken Paxton hangs in the balance, with the potential for significant consequences for the state of Texas.
Did Attorney General Ken Paxton accept bribes from Nate Paul in exchange for using his position to benefit him?
Undisclosed outside counsel, Brandon Cammack, without proper authorization or accountability.
While Paxton has vehemently denied all allegations against him, the trial has shed light on a tumultuous period in Texas politics. The decision of the Senate will have significant ramifications for Paxton and the state as a whole, setting a precedent for the accountability of public officials.
As the nation eagerly awaits the verdict, the eyes of justice are firmly fixed on Austin, Texas, where the fate of Attorney General Ken Paxton hangs in the balance.
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