AUSTIN, Texas – Day 1 of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Impeachment trial took place Tuesday, beginning with hours of standard court work, pretrial motions, a formal plea, and a vote from Senators inside the Chambers.
Soon after the start of the trial, Paxton left after making a plea. He is not expected to take the stand during the trial, and may not be seen again until the end.
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On Tuesday morning, after Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick swore in all 30 Senators, pretrial motions began.
Those Senators will act as jurors throughout the duration of the trial.
(Below is an interactive graphic showing who’s who and how the courtroom is organized.)
During a vote, members of the Senate overwhelmingly rejected his numerous attempts to dismiss the charges.
SEE ALSO: Texas Senate rejects all motions to dismiss Ken Paxton impeachment charges
“Mr. Paxton should be removed from office because he failed to protect the state and instead used his elected office for his own benefit,” said Republican state Rep. Andrew Murr, one of the House impeachment managers leading the case against Paxton. “In Texas, we require more from our public servants than merely avoiding being a criminal.”
All 16 Articles of Impeachment were read which included disregard of official duty, misapplication of public resources, and abuse of public trust.
Houston Attorney Tony Buzbee colorfully responded to each article, claiming that his client, Paxton, remains guilt-free in each circumstance presented. He entered a plea of not guilty and left the Chambers after lunch was called around 12 p.m.
Several political commentators said that opening statements between the defense and prosecutors were ‘dramatic’ as both sides set the tone for what they were seeking within the trial.
If convicted, Paxton could be barred from holding elected office in Texas moving forward.
SEE MORE KEN PAXTON COVERAGE:
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Catch up on ‘The Bench’ coverage of the impeachment trial
Ken Paxton cannot be forced to testify at his impeachment trial, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick rules