At least for now, attorney General Ken Paxton is back on familiar ground: working in public office while under criminal indictment, facing a federal investigation and hurling political threats.
To no one’s surprise, he once again has gone on the attack against President Joe Biden, and closer to home, against his many newfound enemies in the Republican Party.
Back on the state payroll, Paxton quickly flew east for a sit-down interview with fired Fox propagandist Tucker Carlson, where he was guaranteed the softest of landings, an interview that included no probing questions about the mountains of evidence contained in the 16 articles of impeachment House Republicans and Democrats overwhelmingly approved.
In the interview, Paxton managed to blame his recent woes not only on the Biden administration, but also the Bush clan, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, and even U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who once served as the state’s attorney general and could now find Paxton challenging him in the 2026 Republican primary.
Cornyn’s sin was his pretrial remark when he called Paxton’s alleged criminal behavior “very deeply disturbing.” Such independence and disloyalty must be avenged.
Before he unseats anyone, Paxton will have to beat a pending criminal securities fraud trial in a state court in Houston, and the federal criminal investigation into the same misconduct that led to the articles of impeachment. It will make for fascinating, if troubling, political theater. Paxton could ascend to higher political office or he could find himself stewing in prison. Sound familiar?
Until then, expect an aggrieved attorney general on the attack.
“Buckle up” people, to use Paxton’s own words. The Republican Party is about to become the Revenge Party. The officeholder is backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who pocketed $3 million from a pro-Paxton political action committee on the eve of the trial. Only a fool would have viewed Patrick as an impartial judge. “His honor” presided over a proceeding whose conclusion reminded me of show trials I reported on as a journalist in places like Nicaragua and Venezuela in my years working abroad.
The Republican senators who voted in lockstep to acquit Paxton of all charges resembled nothing so much as pliant apparatchiks doing their duty in a one-party state, all willing to trade their sworn oaths and integrity to remain safely ensconced in power and safe from circling party leaders.
Patrick spoke at the conclusion of the trial with prepared remarks, excoriating Phelan and House Republicans for issuing the articles of impeachment that charged Paxton with abuse of office, interfering with a federal criminal investigation, corruption, and self-enrichment at the hands of indicted Austin developer Nate Paul.
Impartial? Patrick saved Paxton from what could have been the most humiliating moment in his trial by apparently blocking the appearance of Laura Olson, who was scheduled to appear, yet never did. Thanks to Paxton, Olson allegedly secured employment with Paul so she and the attorney general, communicating by burner phones, could more conveniently pursue their affair even after the tearful act of contrition Paxton delivered to his senior staff in the presence of his wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton.
There is still reason to hope that Texas can become a two-party state void of voter suppression and blatant gerrymandering, and void of attacks against minorities, members of the LGBTQ communities, and women and their reproductive rights. There is still reason to hope Texas voters eventually will elect leaders who stop campaigning on divisive social issues and perpetuating a deeply divided society, and instead turn to funding improved public education and health care, better stewardship of the environment, and safeguarding the energy grid while working to mitigate climate change.
That can start with a real trial, one where Paxton actually has to show up and be present, presided over by a real judge, with verdicts returned by a real jury of Paxton’s peers. Change in Texas will only come when corrupt politicians, and those who accommodate them in the name of staying in power, are brought to judgment in a real court of law and in the court of public opinion come Election Day.
The promises and threats of political revenge by party leaders will play out come October when Gov. Greg Abbott calls a special session to try and bully through his previously defeated effort to divert state education funds to Christian and private schools, a play to his base and a clear violation of church and state separation.
Let’s hope House Republicans can once again summon the courage to do the right thing and block such legislation. Now that they have officially been identified as targets of Patrick and Paxton, what do they have to lose?
Source link
Attorneys and law firms can elevate their online presence with professionally written content from SEO Content Writing Services monthly plan. Our team of experienced writers specializes in crafting blog posts, articles, and written content that accurately reflect the expertise and knowledge of our clients in the legal field. With a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of legal terminology, we provide high-quality writing that helps our clients stand out from their competition and engage with their target audience. Trust SEO Content Writing Services for one time article writing or monthly written content to handle all of your written content needs and showcase your law firm's expertise.
If you need written content, blog posts, or articles professionally written for your website, we can help. Go HERE to find out more.
or email us here: myseowritingservices@gmail.com
To find out more about our article writing or blog post services, fill out the form, thank you.
