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September 10, 2023
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
The Senate impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton is underway, the first impeachment trial for a statewide official in Texas in over 100 years.
The last time the Senate held an impeachment trial for a statewide official was in 1917, for Gov. James “Pa” Ferguson. He was found guilty and removed from office by a vote of 25-3.
Since then, the Senate last held an impeachment trial in 1976, removing District Judge O.P. Carrillo from office.
Senators must believe Paxton is guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” to vote to remove him from office. Such a vote will require two-thirds of members to agree, or 21 senators.
The trial kicked off on Tuesday last week and has continued with witness testimony. They are slated to return on Monday morning at 9 a.m.
Here are a few highlights from the trial so far:
Paxton Lawyer Blasts ‘Drunk’ Speaker Dade Phelan as Impeachment Trial Begins
Tony Buzbee, one of the lead attorneys defending Paxton, called the charges “a tale of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
Former Paxton Deputy Accused of Staging a Coup
Jeff Mateer and other employees sent correspondence from the Office of the Attorney General on which they had removed Paxton’s name from the letterhead.
Paxton Impeachment ‘Whistleblower’ Says He Went to FBI With No Evidence
The revelation came as Ryan Vassar, the former deputy attorney general for legal counsel, was being cross-examined by Paxton’s legal team.
Bush-Connected Lawyer Hasn’t Billed Paxton ‘Whistleblowers’ for 3 Years
Paxton’s defense once again noted, “there are no coincidences in Austin.”
Featured
Northeast of Houston, Liberty County law enforcement captured and detained a drug smuggler armed with a handgun and carrying an estimated $650,000 worth of cocaine in a spare tire.
Todd Bensman, a senior fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, highlighted that this stop occurred, “In Liberty County Texas, 20 minutes drive from Colony Ridge, which is said to be the largest illegal immigrant community in America where law enforcement tells me Mexican drug cartels operate with relative impunity.”
State
Poll: Texas GOP Voters Increasingly Support Trump
A new poll from CWS Research shows that most Texas Republicans favor Trump over other GOP candidates.
University of Texas Ranked Least Free Speech-Friendly Campus in Texas
Nine other Texas schools were ranked on free speech, with Texas A&M ranking the highest.
Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Ban Died in the Texas House—Will Abbott Revive It?
Advocates are calling for it to be added to the special session agenda.
Local
North Texas Educator Charged with Sex Crimes Against Multiple Students
Arlington police say Anthony Hawkins is a former Sam Houston High School employee.
Austin Tells Robbery Victims to Call Non-Emergency Number Instead of 911
“Even if you are cautious & follow all the safety advice, you may still become the unfortunate victim of a robbery,” said the Austin Police Department.
Liberty County Republican Party Censures House Speaker Dade Phelan
The resolution asserts Phelan has violated many Republican priorities and principles.
Federal
Texas ‘Stop 30×30’ Summit Opposes Biden’s ‘Radical’ Environmental Plan
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is hosting the summit later this month.
Biden May Force Illegal Aliens to Remain in Texas
The new plan would force illegal aliens to remain in Texas and potentially other border states while they await asylum screening.
Former Democrat DA Enters Race to Challenge Sen. Ted Cruz
Nueces County District Attorney Mark Gonzalez has dismissed over 800 felony cases and allegedly mishandled several high-profile cases.
Nominations are Open
The annual Texas Conservative Leader Awards highlight the men and women of the grassroots who work to make the Lone Star State shine brighter than ever.
If you know someone deserving of recognition, nominate them today.
Quoting...
"You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas."
- Davy Crockett
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