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The impeachment case against suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton has gone to the jury. Texas Senators are deliberating 16 articles of impeachment. Paxton is accused of misusing the powers of the attorney general’s office to help his friend and donor Nate Paul, an Austin real estate investor who was under federal investigation. Senators began deliberations around noon Friday, but began leaving the Capitol without a verdict before 8 p.m.
The House impeachment managers insisted that they proved their claims of bribery and corruption, arguing that the jury of 30 senators had no choice but to convict. Paxton’s defense team said the case was full of holes, circumstantial evidence and misdirection.
If 21 of 30 eligible senators convict Paxton on any of the 16 articles of impeachment, he is automatically removed from office and there will be a subsequent vote on whether to permanently bar him from seeking state office. Sen. Angela Paxton, the attorney general’s wife, was prohibited from participating in deliberations or voting.
The deliberations are scheduled to recommence on Saturday at 9 a.m.
After more than six hours of deliberation in the impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, several senators have departed the Capitol without reaching a conclusive verdict.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick instructed senators to engage in deliberations until at least 8 p.m. this afternoon. It is anticipated that senators will reconvene on Saturday at 9 a.m. to resume their discussions.
– Kate McGee
The Texas Senate has the option to extend their weekend into a prolonged period, should they choose to do so.
Before senators left the floor to discuss the 16 impeachment articles against suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick informed them that they have the flexibility to reconvene and cast their votes on each article, as long as they are given a minimum of 30 minutes’ notice.
According to Patrick, they must deliberate until at least 8 p.m. tonight, unless they are ready to vote. However, they have the option to continue deliberating for a longer period if desired.
According to Patrick, if additional time is required, they will have to reconvene on Saturday at 9 a.m. and continue their discussions until at least 8 p.m. Furthermore, if necessary, they would also hold a session on Sunday, commencing at noon and lasting until at least 8 p.m.
Patrick stated that if senators were not prepared to vote by then, he might choose to confine them within the Capitol.
– Kate McGee
After the completion of closing arguments by lawyers representing both sides, the state Senate has adjourned from the Senate floor to commence deliberations in the impeachment trial of Ken Paxton, the suspended Attorney General.
While overseeing the impeachment proceedings, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick informed senators on Friday morning that they are prohibited from reading news, using their cell phones, or engaging in conversations with anyone outside the Senate during the deliberations.
In order to remove Paxton from office, a minimum of 21 senators, which constitutes two-thirds of the full Senate, must vote in favor of any of the 16 articles. Additionally, if an article is confirmed, senators will also vote on whether Paxton should be permanently disqualified from holding any state office in the future.
Sen. Angela Paxton, a Republican representing McKinney, has been restricted from participating in deliberations or casting votes as a result of “spousal conflict,” as per the regulations approved by fellow senators.
-Kate McGee
During his closing arguments, Rep. Andrew Murr, a Republican representing Junction, meticulously guided senators through each impeachment article, emphasizing the key evidence and testimony that had been presented throughout the preceding two weeks.
During deliberations, the House impeachment managers presented audio clips of witness testimony and suggested particular exhibits for senators to examine.
He emphasized how Paxton has a habit of relying on “additional phones” and encrypted messaging, particularly when conversing with an external attorney recruited by Paxton to investigate his friend Nate Paul’s allegations against federal law enforcement.
Murr guided senators as he explained how Paxton’s key deputies, responsible for various agency departments, pieced together the evidence and determined that Paxton’s actions constituted unlawful behavior that could not be disregarded.
Murr dismissed the defense argument suggesting that whistleblowers should have approached Paxton directly to voice their concerns, stating that on that particular day, the puzzle pieces fittingly fell into place, leading them to realize the existence of a substantial problem.
He stated that this line of questioning failed to acknowledge the numerous warnings, discussions, and fervent appeals made over several months, urging Mr. Paxton to cease requesting his office to perform tasks for Nate Paul.
In addition, Murr brought attention to a particular piece of evidence that received little discussion throughout the trial: an undisclosed Uber account belonging to Paxton, which was connected to a credit card under Nate Paul’s name. This document revealed numerous Uber rides taken between July and October 2020, with destinations including Laura Olson’s residence and Nate Paul’s establishments. Murr pointed out that these rides abruptly ceased the day after Paxton’s deputies alerted the FBI about him.
Relying heavily on Paxton’s defense’s recurring statement that “there are no coincidences in Austin,” Murr urged senators to contemplate whether all the evidence presented could be dismissed as mere happenstance.
He informed the senators that this vote would likely be the only one discussed in the future, yet he earnestly urged them to consider the significance of their public service.
Rep. Jeff Leach, a Republican from Plano, concluded his closing arguments by appealing to his fellow Republican lawmakers. He acknowledged the significance of their vote and emphasized the personal connection he once had with Paxton, whom he considered a trusted advisor. However, Leach explained that Paxton’s conduct in recent years had caused him to reconsider his stance.
Leach expressed his belief in the necessity of upholding articles of impeachment, despite the potential pain it may cause.
– Kate McGee
In his concluding statements, Tony Buzbee, the chief attorney representing Ken Paxton, confidently brushed off the impeachment allegations, describing them as insignificant. He implored the senators to allow Paxton to resume his duties and get back to work.
During the senate hearing, Buzbee argued that Paxton’s disputed actions fell within his authority as the state’s highest legal officer. He further asserted that Paxton was simply fulfilling his duty by investigating Nate Paul’s allegations of rights violation by federal law enforcement.
Buzbee asserted that the federal authorities make mistakes on occasions, clarifying that Paxton sought the assistance of external legal advisors to examine Paul’s allegations solely for the purpose of uncovering the truth.
Following Buzbee’s conclusion, defense lawyer Dan Cogdell was given a mere few minutes to conclude their arguments.
Cogdell conveyed to the Senate that he acknowledges there might have been actions carried out by him that you likely found displeasing. However, he emphasized that the central matter at hand is not about these actions. Instead, it is about the presence of irrefutable evidence that can persuade you beyond a reasonable doubt, similar to the standard of proof required in death penalty cases.
–Kate McGee
During the impeachment trial of the suspended attorney general, Tony Buzbee, lead lawyer for Ken Paxton, consistently mentioned the Bush family in his closing statements.
Throughout the trial, Buzbee and his defense team have made various attempts to link the impeachment proceedings with the Republican political dynasty. They have suggested that the whistleblowers, who reported Paxton to federal law enforcement, were collaborating with Paxton’s political adversaries.
Buzbee announced that today marks the end of the Bush era in Texas.
Buzbee contended that on October 1, 2020, the day senior staff informed Paxton about reporting his connection to real estate investor Nate Paul to the FBI, former Land Commissioner George P. Bush, who was defeated by Paxton in the previous year’s Republican primary runoff, sought to renew his law license.
Once more, Buzbee attempted to establish a connection between the whistleblowers and the Bush family by highlighting the fact that a group of whistleblowers had enlisted the services of the same attorney.
Buzbee claimed that the individuals involved were simply former employees who were dissatisfied and had enlisted the services of a lawyer with connections to the Bush administration.
— Kate McGee
Rep. Andrew Murr, a Republican from Junction, commenced his closing arguments on Friday morning by asserting that the Texas House did not take the decision to bring forth the articles of impeachment against suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton lightly. Rather, they unearthed instances of “unprecedented abuse.”
Murr insisted that Paxton should be ousted from his position as he had exploited his authority to serve the interests of Austin real estate investor Nate Paul.
Murr informed senators that he had betrayed both us and the people of Texas, and emphasized that if given another chance, he would persist in exploiting the authority granted to him.
After the defense, Murr will be given a total of 50 minutes to complete his arguments.
In the beginning of his closing remarks, Tony Buzbee, the lawyer representing Paxton, emphasized that the prosecution failed to provide any evidence supporting their allegations.
He cautioned senators that the potential removal of the Republican attorney general from office could have far-reaching consequences, emphasizing that if it could happen to him, it could happen to anyone.
According to Buzbee, the House impeachment managers’ argument consisted of “assumptions, possibilities, uncertainties, and hypotheticals.” He further argued that their case had no substance.
–Kate McGee
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who oversees the impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, has outlined guidelines for state senators as they get ready to discuss the 16 articles of impeachment on Friday.
Each side will be given one hour to deliver their closing arguments. Representative Andrew Murr, a Republican from Junction, initiated the process with a 10-minute closing argument. Following this, the defense will be granted an hour to present their arguments. Finally, the prosecution will utilize the remaining 50 minutes to conclude their case.
Patrick cautioned the senators that once deliberations commence, they are strictly prohibited from engaging in conversations with anyone other than their fellow senators, as well as accessing their phones or opening a computer to read news or communicate with others.
Patrick advised not to read or look at any news or open computers after saying good night to kids, wife, or husband. Senators can sleep outside the Capitol if they take more than a day to deliberate.
He observed that Senator Angela Paxton, a Republican from McKinney, is unable to participate in discussions or casting votes due to a “spousal conflict.” However, he clarified that for conviction on any charge, the Senate would require a two-thirds majority, implying that at least 21 senators must vote in favor of conviction.
If Paxton is convicted of any article, it would result in his removal from office. Following the House’s impeachment vote in late May, he was suspended from his position without receiving any pay.
Patrick stressed to the jurors the importance of solely considering the evidence presented during the trial, which includes witness testimonies. He further emphasized that any remarks made by lawyers should not be regarded as evidence.
On Friday morning, Patrick addressed the public seated in the gallery, stating, “What you’re about to witness is not just one trial, but the equivalent of 16 trials combined.”
Patrick said members of the public will be alerted, via the Texas Senate website, 30 minutes prior to the start of voting. Senators will vote from their desks on each individual motion.
– Kate McGee
At approximately 8:50 a.m., Attorney General Ken Paxton confidently entered the Senate chamber and settled down at the defense table alongside his lead lawyer, Tony Buzbee.
Since the initial day of the trial, when he was obligated to respond to the 16 articles of impeachment, he has been absent. Buzbee, on his behalf, entered pleas of not guilty during that time. Paxton opted not to testify in his defense.
The judge, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, was convinced by his lawyers to rule in favor of him being exempt from being called as a witness.
–Zach Despart
After 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Attorney General Ken Paxton’s team concluded their case. The defense presented a total of only four witnesses, all of whom are current department heads currently employed at the agency.
There were still several hours of time left.
Instead of countering the prosecution’s corruption and bribery narrative, the defense seemed to focus on targeting specific articles of impeachment.
When the impeachment trial resumes at 9 a.m. Friday, lawyers representing both the defense and prosecution have decided to forego presenting rebuttal evidence within the allotted one hour, and instead proceed directly to their closing arguments.
— Zach Despart
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