Specials
It is 2023, and the Texas state government has biennial legislative sessions that last 140 days. That is why we are in a special session this morning, the day after the 140th day. This is ridiculous.
Texas has outgrown its antiquated state constitution dealing with legislative sessions. At this point, all one can do is complain. It is not going to change anytime soon. Sigh.
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More on the impeachment from the Trib:
On Monday evening, the Senate unanimously adopted a resolution that laid out an initial timeline for the next steps. The Senate appointed a seven-member committee that will prepare recommendations on the rules of procedure for the trial and then present them to the full Senate on June 20. And then Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick can pick a date “not later than” Aug. 28 on which the chamber will convene as a court of impeachment.
A two-thirds vote is required in the Senate to remove Paxton from office.
Earlier Monday, the House announced a Republican-majority board of managers to handle the prosecution, made up of seven Republicans and five Democrats. The group immediately left the House chamber to deliver the 20 articles of impeachment to the Senate.
“We will manage this process with the weight and reference that it deserves and requires,” state Rep. Andrew Murr, a Junction Republican and chair of the board of impeachment managers, said Monday at a news conference. “This is about facts and the evidence. It is not about politics.”
Joining Murr in leading the board of managers is Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston, the vice chair. Murr and Johnson are also the chair and vice chair of the House General Investigating Committee, which investigated Paxton and recommended his impeachment.
The other 10 managers are Reps. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth; Joe Moody, D-El Paso; Terry Canales, D-Edinburg; Jeff Leach, R-Plano; Oscar Longoria, D-Mission; Morgan Meyer, R-University Park; Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park; Cody Vasut, R-Angleton; David Spiller, R-Jacksboro; and Erin Gámez, D-Brownsville.
As for the Senate panel that will make recommendations on rules of procedure, it will be chaired by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury. Its vice chair is Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen. The other five members are Sens. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe; Pete Flores, R-Pleasanton; Joan Huffman, R-Houston; Phil King, R-Weatherford; and Royce West, D-Dallas.
And this:
On Sunday, The Dallas Morning News reported that the Office of the Attorney General had delivered documents to senators’ offices that outlined Paxton’s defense. That packet included a letter signed by Brent Webster, the first assistant attorney general who has taken over Paxton’s duties while he is suspended from office.
Johnson likened the delivery of that packet to attempting to interfere with a trial.
“We expect that this committee has been fully engaged in the process with the highest level of integrity that the individuals on the other side would realize dropping a binder on your potential jurors could be considered a tampering or attempting to interfere with a lawful process,” Johnson said, adding that she appreciated statements from Patrick and several senators saying they understood their duties in this process and honoring their sworn oaths.
Here is the entire read: Texas House names representatives who will prosecute Ken Paxton case | The Texas Tribune.
A few observations.
Three of the twelve board of managers are from the Rio Grande Valley.
Is the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) going to provide the defense of suspended and impeached Ken Paxton? The OAG needs to stop handing out defense materials immediately.
Does Paxton still get a taxpayer funded state salary while under suspension?
Some of the board of managers have experience as prosecutors. Will the board of managers hire additional seasoned prosecutors to assist during the trial?
Stay tuned?
Go read Off the Kuff for more on the impeachment here: Two thoughts on the whole impeachment thing – Off the Kuff.
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Tough loss yesterday. Jose Altuve hits a grand salami for the lead then we blow it. Oh, well.
