Why Did Texas AG Ken Paxton Refuse to Represent State Agencies Dozens of Times?
ProPublicaSep 03, 2023
The Facts
The impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton began Tuesday as Republicans in the state’s Senate must decide whether or not to oust the thrice-elected politician accused of corruption or stand behind the prominent ally of former Pres. Donald Trump.
Paxton, a long-time conservative hero in the state, was impeached by an overwhelming majority of the GOP-led Texas House of Representatives over claims that he used his power to help a donor, Austin real estate developer Nate Paul, who allegedly granted Paxton favors in return.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
It's a sad yet common reflection of our times that the political establishment can pursue sham impeachment trials to attack political opponents. We’ve seen this political lawfare ramp up with the endless attacks against Trump, and we are seeing it now against Ken Paxton. Unfortunately, this issue isn’t exclusive to one political party and is a signature part of Washington's so-called democracy.
Pro-establishment narrative
Paxton is a corrupt politician who abused his power for years. While Paxton may be popular among Texas voters who remain entranced by Donald Trump, no one is above the law, especially a state attorney general who has sworn to uphold and enforce it. Senators cannot sit by and allow a crooked attorney general to remain in power. This is about maintaining the integrity of the Texas government, not partisan politics.
