Paxton, Texas Attorney General, Takes Action to Dismiss Impeachment Proceedings
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is denying accusations of corruption and bribery after being recommended for impeachment by a Texas House ethics panel. The panel filed 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton, accusing him of using his power to benefit a campaign donor in exchange for home remodeling work and securing a job for a woman with whom he allegedly had an affair. Paxton’s attorneys argue that the allegations do not constitute bribery as they do not prove that Paxton intentionally provided political favor in exchange for a reward. They assert that the accusations only suggest that Paxton received a benefit from a constituent and took actions that benefited the constituent, which they argue is not enough to be considered a bribe. They claim that the allegations are merely a “quid and a quo,” and not an explicit or implied agreement for exchange. Paxton’s attorneys have filed legal motions to dismiss the impeachment charges.