Despite Media Pearl-Clutching, Paxton Has A Clear Path To Beating Impeachment

[Kamaji]

Despite Media Pearl-Clutching, Paxton Has A Clear Path To Beating Impeachment

At the end of the day, Ken Paxton’s team only needs to persuade two to four jurors to beat the impeachment.

BY: JONATHAN RICHIE
SEPTEMBER 07, 2023

AUSTIN — In Texas, the impeachment trial of popular Attorney General Ken Paxton has gotten off to its historic start. The state has never impeached an AG before, and the last time a statewide elected official was removed from office was in 1917 — more than 100 years ago.

For many in corporate media, the day of trial was a long time coming. For more than a decade, Paxton and his wife, Sen. Angela Paxton, have been relentlessly pursued in the press on allegations of misconduct and impropriety.

“The End Is Near for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton,” reads a Wall Street Journal headline. “Ken Paxton’s team said there was no evidence to support impeachment. The House published nearly 4,000 pages,” crooned the Texas Tribune. The overwhelming negativity from establishment media has led many to assume the impeachment trial in the Senate would lead to the forgone conclusion: Paxton’s conviction and removal from office.

Why wouldn’t it? Especially considering how the Texas House, under the leadership of moderate Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, forced the body to vote on 20 articles of impeachment less than 72 hours after revealing that a secret investigation into Paxton had been taking place behind the scenes.

However, contrary to the prognostications of commentators and the wishes of the press corps, the first day of trial showed that Paxton has a very clear and very attainable path to victory.

In order to convict the attorney general and remove him from office, two-thirds of the Senate must agree. While Sen. Paxton will be recused from casting a ballot for or against her husband, she is permitted to remain on the floor, meaning that out of the 31 senators, Paxton needs only 10 to vote for his acquittal.

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Source:  https://thefederalist.com/2023/09/07/despite-media-pearl-clutching-paxton-has-a-clear-path-to-beating-impeachment/