Opening statements were made on Tuesday in the impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is accused of bribery and corruption.
Rep. Andrew Murr, one of the impeachment managers in the case against Paxton, said that the attorney general used his office to benefit himself, friends and political donors.
“The allegations in the articles reveal that the state’s top lawyer engaged in conduct designed to advance the economic interests and legal positions of a friend and donor to the detriment of the citizens of Texas,” Murr said.
Paxton’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, accused the prosecution and media of telling “a whopping story” and said the attorney general did not have a corrupt relationship to Austin real estate developer and Paxton donor, Nate Paul.
“Ken Paxton gave nothing of significance to Nate Paul. Nate Paul gave nothing of significance to Ken Paxton. This whole case is a lot of nothing,” Buzbee said.
Paxton was impeached in May by the Texas House of Representatives, which is led by his fellow Republicans, on 20 charges including abuse of public trust, unfitness for office and bribery.
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