Texas AG embattled Ken Paxton calls for protests against impending impeachment vote over corruption allegations

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called on his supporters to demonstrate outside the state capitol ahead of a vote Saturday on whether to impeach him over corruption allegations.

At a press conference on Friday, Paxton derided the effort to impeach members of the state House of Representatives as an effort to overturn the election results last November, when voters elected him. for a third term as Attorney General.

“They are determined to ignore the law,” Paxton said. “They have denied me the opportunity to present the evidence that contradicts their politically motivated narrative, and they show their absolute disregard for the electoral process.”

The Republican-led House General Investigative Committee voted unanimously on Thursday to propose articles of impeachment against the Republican attorney general after the conclusion of a months-long investigation.

The impeachment effort against Paxton is the result of an FBI criminal investigation into accusations he used his office to help a donor, Nate Paul, over unproven allegations of conspiracy to steal $200 million. of its properties.

The articles of impeachment against Paxton accuse him of abusing the Public Information Act, using his office to help a donor, firing employees who reported his conduct “unlawful”, corruption, to mislead public officials, etc.

Paxton was also charged in 2015 with multiple counts, including securities fraud, but has yet to stand trial.

“This vote should take place at 1 p.m. [Saturday], and I want to invite my fellow citizens and friends to peacefully make their voices heard on Capitol Hill tomorrow,” Paxton said at Friday’s press conference. “Exercise your right. Petition your government.

“Let us return the power of this great state to the people rather than to the politicians,” he added.

If impeached on Saturday, Paxton would be required by law to step down as attorney general pending trial in the state Senate.

Paxton said he expects a “quick resolution” in the state Senate on the impeachment.