Texas AG Ken Paxton 'furious' over House panel’s calls for impeachment
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton(R) is not pleased with state House lawmakers' calls for his impeachment.
According to HuffPost, Paxton's concerns come as the Texas House of Representatives passed 20 articles of impeachment in hopes of removing Paxton from office.
The impeachment recommendation came after "outside attorneys presented evidence accusing the state attorney general of sweeping impropriety that verged on criminality, including claims Paxton had used his position to help a political ally, engaged in bribery and attempted to obstruct justice," the news outlet reports.
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It was also noted that a decision could be handed down as soon as Friday, May 26. If the state House's simple majority votes in favor of Paxton's impeachment, he would be required to temporarily step down from his post.
Paxton would also be restricted from carrying out his regular duties. The changes would be in place while the state Senate conducts its impeachment trial.
For Paxton to be completely removed from office, two-thirds of state senate lawmakers would have to vote in favor of his impeachment. Reacting to the latest news, Paxton took to Twitter with a response that said, "Overturning elections begins behind closed doors.”
Later in the day, Paxton repeated his stance as he slammed the investigation, describing it as an “illegitimate attempt to overthrow the will of the people.”
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"It is with profound disappointment that I call on Speaker Dade Phelan to resign at the end of this legislative session,” Paxton said in a tweeted statement. “Texans were dismayed to witness his performance presiding over the Texas House in a state of apparent debilitating intoxication.”
Paxton continued, "His conduct has negatively impacted the legislative process and constitutes a failure to live up to his duty to the public. Texans were relying on the House to pass critical conservative priorities including protecting the integrity of our elections and preventing Chinese spies from controlling Texas land. His failures as Speaker have created a credibility crisis for all Republican candidates and for our entire party. While I hope Speaker Phelan will get the help he needs, he has proven himself unworthy of Texans' trust and incapable of leading the Texas House."
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