A defiant Ken Paxton lashes out at 'corrupt politicians' on eve of GOP-led impeachment vote
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/ken-paxton-impeachment-response-18121720.phpTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Friday blasted a GOP-led effort to remove him from office over a pattern of alleged misconduct, calling it a “deceitful,” politically motivated campaign in his first public remarks about the case.
BACKGROUND: Texas lawmakers recommend impeachment of AG Ken Paxton over alleged corruption
Ahead of an impeachment vote Saturday in the Texas House, the Republican said he expects to weather the storm despite mounting allegations that he abused his power to help a friend and political donor, Nate Paul. Impeachment proceedings were expected to begin in the House at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Paxton said the House was “determined to ignore the law” and seemed hopeful that the Senate would ultimately vote in his favor.
“I hope the House makes the right decision,” he said. “But if not, I look forward to a quick resolution in the Texas Senate, where I truly believe that the process will be fair and just.”
If a majority of House members vote to impeach Paxton, he would be suspended from office until the Senate decides on his political fate.
Paxton declined to take questions Friday and called on his supporters to “peacefully come let their voices be heard” at the Capitol during Saturday’s proceedings.
Friday’s remarks were potentially the last opportunity for Paxton to defend his actions using his state-funded office resources, as Texas law requires him to step down during proceedings until a decision is made on removal. Complicating the Senate trial further, Paxton’s wife is a state senator.
Paxton said the House was trying to thwart his conservative agenda, listing a handful of consumer protection suits and other legal challenges he filed against the Biden administration just this week and propping up Texas as a leader when it comes to national policy.
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