Senate Jury Weighs Fate of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Amid Impeachment Trial

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The Senate jury in Texas is now in the process of evaluating the impeachment case against Attorney General Ken Paxton, as allegations of corruption that have long plagued the Republican official are laid bare for consideration. The development brings Paxton, whose career spanning three terms has been tainted by criminal charges and scandal, closer to a pivotal moment in his political journey. This significant impeachment process has been led by members of his own party, further intensifying divisions within Republican ranks in the largest conservative state in America. Over the years, Paxton has gained national prominence through his proactive engagement in contentious legal disputes across the country, winning endorsements from former President Donald Trump and far-right elements within the GOP.

As a concluding effort to secure a conviction against Texas’ chief legal officer, the impeachment managers, some of whom were once Paxton’s allies, depicted him as dishonest. They asserted that it is high time for both the state and the Republican Party to disassociate themselves from him. “Failure to hold public office bearers accountable for misuse of their authority effectively renders our checks and balances powerless,” stated Republican State Representative Andrew Murr during his closing remarks.

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Should Paxton be found guilty, he would become the first elected official in Texas to be convicted through impeachment in over a century. A decision could be rendered as early as Friday.

In a vigorous and unyielding counter-argument, Paxton’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, took aim at an expansive range of individuals, both within and outside of the Texas legislative chamber. He derided a Texas Ranger who cautioned Paxton about impending indictment and criticized another accuser who broke down during testimony. Buzbee described the impeachment initiative as a political vendetta spearheaded by established GOP antagonists, highlighting George P. Bush, who contested against Paxton in the 2022 Republican primary, as he vehemently questioned the credibility of FBI agents and attacked one of Texas’ most celebrated political lineages.

“The proceedings that have unfolded are best characterized as a politically motivated witch hunt, emblematic of internal partisan skirmishes within the GOP,” Buzbee contended.

Paxton, who had been largely absent throughout the trial, took his seat at the defense table, intermittently checking his mobile device. His presence did not go unobserved. “His lack of consistent attendance illustrates his belief that he might evade responsibility,” commented Murr.

Across from him sat his wife, State Senator Angela Paxton, who, although mandated to attend the trial in its entirety, is precluded from taking part in any deliberations or casting a vote on her husband’s political future.

In the gallery were three of Paxton’s previous deputies who had reported him to the FBI in 2020, alleging unlawful conduct to aid Austin-based property developer Nate Paul. Their testimonies triggered an ongoing FBI inquiry, irrespective of the trial’s outcome.

Federal prosecutors had gathered evidence before a grand jury in San Antonio in August, according to anonymous sources aware of the situation. One of the witnesses was Drew Wicker, a former aide to Paxton. Wicker indicated that he overheard a contractor discussing renovation costs for Paxton’s Austin residence with someone named “Nate,” presumably referring to Nate Paul. Paul faces his own legal issues; he was indicted in June for providing fraudulent information to banks to secure over $170 million in loans but has pleaded not guilty.

As final arguments closed, the defense asserted either a lack of evidence or insufficient proof to meet the threshold of ‘beyond a reasonable doubt.’ In contrast, House impeachment managers presented specific documents and played video clips of testimony from the deputies who had reported Paxton to the FBI.

In the final moments of closing arguments, Republican State Representative Jeff Leach, once a friend and political mentee of Paxton, admitted to a fondness for the Attorney General but insisted that he should be penalized.

The impeachment charges include articles that allege Paxton engaged in an extramarital affair with Laura Olson, an employee of Paul, and accepted bribes in the form of home renovations. A conviction on any of the 16 impeachment articles would require a two-thirds majority from the 30 participating state senators, the majority of whom are Republicans.

The deliberations will take place behind closed doors, and Republican Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has announced that the trial may extend into the weekend if required.

Former President Trump reiterated his support for Paxton, denouncing the impeachment as “disgraceful.”

Paxton is enmeshed in a variety of other legal challenges, including an ongoing federal investigation concerning the same accusations leading to his impeachment. He is also the subject of a state disciplinary proceeding related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and is yet to face trial for state securities fraud charges from 2015.

He has pleaded not guilty in the state case, and his legal team has suggested that removal from office might facilitate a plea agreement.

Report by Bleiberg from Dallas, with contributions from Juan A. Lozano of Big Big News in Austin.

For comprehensive coverage on the impeachment of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, visit: Big Big News Coverage

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