Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton acquitted on all 16 impeachment charges by Senate
Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton Acquitted on All Impeachment Charges
In a stunning display of vindication, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton has been acquitted by the state Senate on all 16 articles of impeachment. The charges against him included bribery, disregard of official duty, and dereliction of duty. This decision allows Paxton to immediately return to office and complete his third term, after being suspended without pay since late May.
A Showdown in the Senate
The acquittal came after eight days of gripping testimony from over a dozen witnesses, who detailed Paxton’s alleged abuse of power during his second term. The Senate jury, comprised of 12 Democrats and 19 Republicans, including Paxton’s wife, Senator Angela Paxton, deliberated for nearly 23 hours before reaching their decision.
The atmosphere in the chamber was tense, with occasional clashes of thunder outside and visitors coming and going from the gallery above. The room fell silent as the votes were counted, and the outcome was a devastating blow to the House managers who had brought the case against Paxton.
A Strong Defense and Controversial Claims
Paxton’s lead defense lawyer, Tony Buzbee, delivered a powerful closing argument, claiming that the prosecution had presented a case “with no evidence” as part of a “political witch hunt within the Republican Party.” Meanwhile, Republican state Rep. Andrew Murr, chairman of the House Board of Impeachment Managers, warned that letting Paxton off the hook would only enable him to continue abusing his power.
The Articles of Impeachment and Their Verdicts
Here are the 16 articles of impeachment brought against Paxton, along with the final verdict on each charge:
- Disregard of Official Duty – Protection of Charitable Organization: ACQUITTED
- Disregard of Official Duty – Abuse of the Opinion Process: ACQUITTED
- Disregard of Official Duty – Abuse of the Open Records Process: ACQUITTED
- Disregard of Official Duty – Misuse of Official Information: ACQUITTED
- Disregard of Official Duty – Engagement of Cammack: ACQUITTED
- Disregard of Official Duty – Termination of Whistleblowers: ACQUITTED
- Misapplication of Public Resources - Whistleblower Investigation and Report: ACQUITTED
- Disregard of Official Duty – Settlement Agreement: ACQUITTED
- Constitutional Bribery – Paul’s Employment of Mistress: ACQUITTED
- Constitutional Bribery – Paul’s Providing Renovations to Paxton Home: ACQUITTED
- False Statements in Official Records – Whistleblower Response Report: ACQUITTED
- Conspiracy and Attempted Conspiracy: ACQUITTED
- Misappropriation of Public Resources: ACQUITTED
- Dereliction of Duty: ACQUITTED
- Unfitness for Office: ACQUITTED
- Abuse of Public Trust: ACQUITTED
This outcome is a major victory for Paxton, dealing a significant blow to those who sought to hold him accountable. As he resumes his duties, the controversy surrounding his actions will undoubtedly continue to reverberate throughout Texas politics.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
What are the potential consequences of Ken Paxton’s acquittal on Texas politics and the upcoming elections
Impeachment and the Witness Testimonies
The 16 articles of impeachment against Paxton were based on a range of alleged offenses. One of the primary charges was bribery, with prosecutors claiming that Paxton had accepted $100,000 from a wealthy donor and failed to disclose it. Other articles accused him of disregarding official duty by improperly using his position to benefit his wealthy campaign donor friends. During the eight days of testimony, witnesses painted a picture of a powerful attorney general abusing his position and engaging in corrupt behavior. They detailed instances in which Paxton allegedly used his office to help a real estate developer friend, intervened in a criminal investigation involving a campaign donor, and accepted gifts and travel expenses from individuals with business interests before his office. Despite the serious nature of the testimonies, the defense team worked diligently to undermine the credibility of the witnesses. Paxton’s lawyers argued that the allegations were politically motivated and lacked substantial evidence. They claimed that the witnesses were unreliable and had personal biases that influenced their testimonies. Paxton’s acquittal has set off a political firestorm in Texas. Supporters of the attorney general hail the decision as a victory for him and the Republican Party, while critics argue that it is a grave miscarriage of justice and a missed opportunity to hold a powerful official accountable for his alleged misconduct. The outcome of the trial is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming elections in Texas. Some believe that Paxton’s acquittal will bolster his chances of reelection, as he can now use the verdict as evidence of his innocence and resilience in the face of adversity. Others contend that the trial has exposed deep divisions within the Republican Party, with some members supporting Paxton despite the serious allegations against him, while others are advocating for a clean break from the tainted attorney general. With his acquittal, Ken Paxton is set to resume his duties as the Republican Attorney General of Texas. However, the controversies surrounding him are unlikely to dissipate. Ethics complaints related to his conduct are still pending, and an FBI investigation into allegations of bribery and abuse of power remains ongoing. Furthermore, the impeachment trial has damaged Paxton’s reputation and eroded public trust in him. It remains to be seen whether he can overcome these challenges and regain the support of the Texas electorate. The impeachment and subsequent acquittal of Ken Paxton will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Texas politics and beyond. The trial has exposed the deep divisions within the Republican Party and raised questions about the accountability of elected officials. As the state moves forward, it remains to be seen whether Texas voters will support candidates who prioritize integrity and accountability or continue to rally behind entrenched party loyalty. In any case, the impeachment trial of Ken Paxton serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and that the pursuit of justice is an essential pillar of a functioning democracy.The Impact on Texas Politics
What’s Next for Ken Paxton?
The Legacy of Ken Paxton’s Impeachment
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...