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Paxton Impeachment Goes to Preliminary Vote on Directed Verdicts [1]

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Date: 2023-09-13

I have been following this case, but have missed portions due to the interventions of life. Have almost a notebook full of hand-written notes. Apologize that I have not been updating—just haven’t had the time or energy to process so much information. Also been following the proceedings in the Texas Tribune, which has done a great job of covering the trial (and filling in my own gaps).

The House Managers just “rested,” not because they are done, but because they ran out of time. Although the agreed-upon rules gave each side the same amount of time, such constraints generally operate against the side with the burden of proof.

This morning, the House Managers were going to call Laura Olson, Paxton’s extramarital affair (which is no longer “alleged.”) However, Olson did not testify because there was less than 24 hours notice (another agreed-upon rule). There was some speculation that she might have testified this afternoon, but they had more than enough witnesses lined up. Not sure that she really could have added anything.

Tony Buzbee (Paxton’s main lawyer) has filed motions for directed verdict on all of the articles. The House Managers said they are filing cross-motions. Because these are dispositive motions, the hearings are now in recess until the Senators vote on them. Which means we will know something by tomorrow.

In my own view, I think the House Managers have sufficiently proven abuse of office with respect to the Nate Paul allegations. It is also fairly clear that Paxton is generally dishonest. I do not think they have “proven” the bribery charges beyond a reasonable doubt. This is not to say that they could have done so with more time. I also have not viewed all of the documents that have been submitted.

My guess is that some, but not all of the articles will survive. Paxton’s side still has time remaining to present evidence. Then each side will have an hour for rebuttal and an hour for closing arguments. So...anticipating that there will be a final decision on Paxton’s fate before the week ends.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/9/13/2193159/-Paxton-Impeachment-Goes-to-Preliminary-Vote-on-Directed-Verdicts

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