Ken Paxton impeachment: How Texas Attorney General's alleged extramarital affair risked his office
AUSTIN, TEXAS: The impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is set to continue this week, focusing on allegations of corruption and bribery.
The majority of the state senators hearing the case are Republicans, and one of them is state senator Angela Paxton, Ken Paxton's wife, though she won't participate in the verdict.
Angela has been present throughout the trial, which recently saw one of her husband's former employees give a detailed account of the extramarital affair's impact on staff and operations.
The employee recounted how the affair strained their workplace, leading to concerns and unease among the staff.
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What is the legal debate surrounding Ken Paxton affair?
While the affair has taken center stage during the trial, questions about its legal implications have arisen.
Paxton's attorney, Tony Buzbee, queried, “Just because somebody has an affair doesn't mean they're a — quote — ‘criminal’ does it?"
“I would not associate that directly,” said Katherine Cary, a former chief of staff in Paxton’s office, who is now one of six ex-employees to testify against their former boss since the trial began last week.
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This affair is one of the key elements in the 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton. It's alleged that Nate Paul, a local real estate developer under FBI investigation, received favorable treatment from the AG due to his employment of the woman with whom Paxton had the affair.
Paul, who contributed $25,000 to Paxton's campaign, also faces charges of making false statements to banks.
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The trial may reach a verdict as early as this week. Angela's presence and the details of the affair have shed light on its potential political and ethical implications for Paxton, who secured re-election despite ongoing controversies.
What is the affairs' impact on Ken Paxton's future?
The affair's significance is underscored by allegations that Paxton had a political motive to keep it secret. Angela Paxton, who won her senate seat in 2018, faced questions about her husband's schedule during the affair, leading to discomfort among office staff.
“The affair is important because it goes to Ken Paxton's political strength. He knows that with his folks he is family values,” Democratic state Rep Ann Johnson said in May, moments before the House overwhelmingly voted 121-23 to impeach Paxton, as per Click On Detroit.
As the trial unfolds, the affair's impact on Paxton's political career remains a central focus. A two-thirds majority, or 21 senators, is required for conviction, making it essential for a significant number of Republicans to join Democrats in any potential conviction.
The outcome will ultimately determine the future of Texas' Attorney General. “Imagine if we impeached everyone in Austin who had an affair,” Buzbee said. “We’d be impeaching people for the next 100 years.”