Home United States USA — Political Ken Paxton Is First Texas Official Impeached in Nearly 50 Years

Ken Paxton Is First Texas Official Impeached in Nearly 50 Years

80
0
SHARE

A representative told Newsweek that he plans to add to Paxton’s charges to include “intimidation” ahead of the embattled Republican’s Senate trial.
The Republican-dominated Texas House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to impeach embattled Attorney General Ken Paxton on Saturday, making him the third sitting official in the states’ nearly 200-year history to be impeached.
After hours of debate, the Texas House voted 121 to 23 with two voting “present” to impeach the attorney general. Under state law, Paxton, a Republican, has been temporarily suspended from office while the Senate trial is pending. Governor Greg Abbott can appoint a replacement.
The Texas House General Investigating Committee unanimously agreed on Thursday to bring 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton, which included allegations of bribery, abuse of public trust, and unfitness for office. Following the House’s decision on Saturday evening to impeach Paxton, he now faces a trial in the state Senate, but timing is uncertain as the legislative session ends on Monday.
The General Investigation Committee, a bipartisan panel led by GOP Representative Andrew Murr, launched an investigation into Paxton’s dealings in March. The probe stemmed from a proposed $3.3 million whistleblower lawsuit involving several of Paxton’s former aides who claimed they were fired after accusing the attorney general of accepting bribes and other misconduct. The attorney general has denied any wrongdoing and urged his supporters to protest outside the statehouse.
In a statement following the vote, the attorney general’s office called Paxton’s impeachment “illegal” and said the Office of the Attorney General released a “comprehensive” report that “unequivocally refutes incorrect testimony.”
“The General Investigating Committee’s politically motivated investigation against Attorney General Paxton is predicated on long-disproven claims grounded in hearsay and gossip,” the online statement reads.
Paxton echoed claims that his impeachment was illegal on his Twitter account, where he called for a “quick resolution” in the Senate.
“I am beyond grateful to have the support of millions of Texans who recognize that what we just witnessed is illegal, unethical, and profoundly unjust,” Paxton said on Twitter. “I look forward to a quick resolution in the Texas Senate, where I have full confidence the process will be fair and just.

Continue reading...