New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said Thursday the acquittal of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton at the end of his impeachment trial last week was “completely embarrassing” because the evidence was clear against the state’s top lawyer, adding that the final decision “seemed like it was a baked-in vote before it started.”
“These things are really bad for America,” Sununu, a Republican, said during the opening keynote of the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival about the recent impeachments of Paxton, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. “In this case in Texas, it looked like, to me, it was very justified and he probably should have been found guilty, and I don’t mind saying that.”
Texas senators, who acted as jurors in Paxton’s trial, voted Saturday to acquit the attorney general in 16 articles of impeachment that accused him of abuse of office and bribery.
During a conversation with Tribune co-founder Evan Smith, Sununu shared his vision for a future where the Republican Party distances itself from Trump. Towards the end of his remarks, he downplayed concerns about the former president, even suggesting that Trump’s lack of intelligence made him incapable of posing a threat to democracy.
Despite this, he expressed his desire for a Republican to succeed Biden in the upcoming election. To ensure a Republican victory, he suggested that candidates vying for the party’s nomination should withdraw from the race if they fail to meet debate qualification criteria. Additionally, he urged donors to cease their support for underperforming candidates in order to streamline the field and identify the strongest challengers.
Sununu stated that he decided against pursuing the presidency due to the potential strain it would have placed on his family.
Sununu highlighted a Republican Party vision that sharply differed from the actual state of affairs in Texas, where state officials persistently prioritize social matters that he believes should be handled more effectively at the local level.
Sununu emphasized the importance of low taxes, limited government, and local control, stating that the government’s role is not to solve individual problems. He acknowledged that he lacks knowledge of specific needs in areas such as business and education. Therefore, his primary objective is to create numerous opportunities for individuals, families, and businesses to thrive.
He added, “It’s up to you to determine which door is the best fit for you, not me.”
In addition, Sununu’s statement regarding abortion being a decision for individual states was met with disapproval from the crowd. He proceeded to criticize Biden for the current state of the economy, referring to inflation as “the harshest burden on the impoverished” and highlighting the alarming increase in credit card debt.
At times, he emanated a sense of hope and optimism.
He remarked on the remarkable system in our country, acknowledging that while he may disagree with the policies of the left and others may disagree with the policies of the right, it does not imply that our foundational principles and system will collapse. Ultimately, what remains crucial is that individuals possess the power to vote and express their opinions.
