Day Seven of Paxton’s Impeachment Trial Results in Continued Chaos
AUSTIN, Texas – Today, the House impeachment managers accidentally rested their case after yet another day of chaotic testimony and rulings from the Texas Senate chamber. After seven days of testimony from several witnesses and thousands of pages of submitted evidence – it is clear that Ken Paxton’s allegiance to Nate Paul led to mayhem within the Office of the Attorney General, ultimately resulting in Paxton’s sixteen impeachment charges and criminal indictments.
In summary:
Laura Olson, the woman alleged to have had an extramarital affair with Ken Paxton and a key witness in the impeachment trial, was deemed "unavailable" to testify. It was reported that Olson refused to provide meaningful testimony -- which is not surprising considering the storm of obstruction and obfuscation that has surrounded Paxton’s defense.
Olson was offered a job by Nate Paul, Paxton’s partner in corruption. The prosecution had intended to call Olson as a witness to delve deeper into these bribery allegations, and her testimony would have certainly shed light on Paxton's character and the allegations that he misused his office for personal gain. Her absence from the witness stand leaves a glaring hole in the trial, but it doesn't erase the mounting evidence that Ken Paxton is more interested in serving his own interests and those of his campaign donor buddies than in upholding the law and serving the people of Texas.
Blake Brickman, a former deputy to Paxton, testified that Paxton intentionally delayed settling a whistleblower lawsuit until after his reelection, again revealing a disturbing pattern of Paxton manipulating legal processes for his own political gain. By delaying a whistleblower lawsuit until after his reelection, Paxton deprived Texans of the opportunity to make an informed decision at the ballot box. This is not just corruption; it's a manipulation of our democratic process.
Drew Wicker, a former aide to Paxton, testified about his growing unease with Paxton's secretive and unethical behavior. From multiple cell phones to wiped call logs, and a clearly unsavory relationship with donor Nate Paul, Wicker's testimony paints a picture of an Attorney General who consistently operates in the shadows. This is not transparency; this is not ethical governance. Texans deserve better.
The testimony of Kendall Garrison -- the CEO of Amplify Credit Union -- reveals a troubling pattern: an attorney general opinion conveniently halting foreclosures on Nate Paul's properties right before auction. This 'midnight opinion' not only saved Paul millions but raises serious questions about the abuse of power in the Attorney General's office. It's another example of how Ken Paxton has put the financial wellbeing of his campaign donors over the fair execution of the law. Texans deserve an Attorney General who respects the rule of law, not one who bends it for personal advantage.
Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa issued the following statement:
“From the mysterious absence of a key witness, Laura Olson, to the damning testimony that revealed a pattern of abuse of power and disregard for the rule of law -- it's clear that Paxton is unfit to serve the people of Texas a second longer. Today's proceedings in the impeachment trial of Ken Paxton have once again laid bare the deeply troubling and corrupt behavior that has become his legacy. This trial isn’t just about receiving justice -- it's about the integrity of our institutions and the trust we place in our elected officials.
“Texas Democrats are committed to fighting for justice, transparency, and the rule of law. We will continue to hold corrupt politicians accountable, no matter how high their office title is. Texans deserve better than career crook Ken Paxton, and we will not rest until justice is served and integrity is restored to the Attorney General's office.”
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