AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – A Texas Republican who will oversee Attorney General Ken PaxtonThe impeachment trial issued a major gag order Monday that rebuked “inflammatory” public comments made by lawyers for both sides ahead of the historic September proceedings.
What you need to know
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who will oversee the impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton, has issued a broad gag order on the case.
Patrick on Monday rebuked “inflammatory” public comments made by lawyers for both sides ahead of the historic trial that begins in September
The order underscored how Paxton’s fight for political survival over allegations of abuse of office has drawn some of Texas’ most brash and high-profile legal figures.
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.
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 some of the most brazen and prominent legal figures in 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. It’s on the other side Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardinwho 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 about 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.
