by: PAUL J. WEBER, Associated Press
Published: July 17, 2023 / 6:11 pm CDT
Updated: July 17, 2023 / 6:11 PM CDT
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – A top Texas Republican who will oversee the impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a sweeping gag order Monday that rebuked “inflammatory” public comments made by lawyers on both sides before the historic September proceedings.
The order from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the powerful leader of the state Senate, underscored how Paxton’s fight for political survival in the face of allegations of abuse of office has drawn some of the most brash and high-profile legal figures from Texas
The impact was swift: Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, Paxton’s lead attorney, canceled a press conference scheduled for Tuesday after the order was issued. The press conference was announced in a statement that accused a “kangaroo court” in the Texas House of pushing for impeachment.
“The court finds that the individuals involved in the impeachment trial will likely continue to make damaging and inflammatory public statements unless this order is entered,” Patrick wrote.
State senators who will serve as Paxton’s jury once his trial begins on Sept. 5 were already barred from speaking publicly about the case under rules issued earlier this summer. But Patrick, a former Houston broadcaster and conservative radio host who will serve as presiding judge for the trial, is now controlling lawyers on both sides.
The trial has no shortage of Texas legal star power. On one side is Buzbee, whose past clients include former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and women who accused NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual harassment and assault. On the other side are Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin, who will present the case to impeach Paxton and have jointly represented a long list of celebrities and famous people.
Paxton has been under FBI investigation for years over allegations by members of his own staff that he used his office to help a donor. He was charged separately with securities fraud in 2015, although he has yet to stand trial.
