Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at event, jabs media ahead of impeachment trial
PLANO (CBSNewsTexas.com) - Attorney General Ken Paxton addressed a crowd during a Labor Day picnic open to the public Saturday. The event was just days before the historic impeachment trial for the embattled attorney general, which is set to begin Sept. 5.
72 hours before his impeachment trial, Texas AG Ken Paxton is expected to attend the Collin Co Republican Labor Day picnic. pic.twitter.com/SXKhl7kMFW
— Brian New (@BrianNewCBS) September 2, 2023
From the moment he arrived, all eyes were on the embattled Texas attorney general.
Suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has arrived at the Collin Co. Republican Labor Day picnic where he was greeted by applause by his supporters.
— Brian New (@BrianNewCBS) September 2, 2023
His impeachment trail starts Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/0H7IMc9dKK
When his wife, state senator Angela Paxton introduced him, calling him the "love of my life," the republican crowd gave him a stand ovation.
State Senator Angela Paxton receives a standing ovation when introduced at the Collin Co. Republican Party Labor Day picnic.
— Brian New (@BrianNewCBS) September 2, 2023
Ken Paxton is expected to speak next. pic.twitter.com/Wl47RSPA6y
Paxton did not speak about the impeachment on Saturday.
"So today, I would love to talk about what's coming up for me in the next couple of weeks. I have a gag order on me so I cannot talk about that," he said.
Suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton: “So today, I would love to talk about what's coming up for me in the next couple of weeks. I have a gag order on me so I cannot talk about that.” pic.twitter.com/3xciBpNAiy
— Brian New (@BrianNewCBS) September 2, 2023
Paxton, instead, focused his speech on voter fraud.
He also took a jab at the media saying, "Thanks to the media for showing up today. I'm sure they're here for a good story. Actually, if you kept up you could read that I'm responsible for the JFK assassination, 9/11 … and everything in between."
Suspended TX Attorney General Ken Paxton takes a jab at the media coverage. “Thanks to the media for showing up today. I'm sure they're here for a good story. Actually, if you kept up you could read that I'm responsible for the JFK assassination … and everything in between.” pic.twitter.com/tYSCFBa0jo
— Brian New (@BrianNewCBS) September 2, 2023
Barbra Isaacs not only came Saturday to support Paxton, but she'll be in Austin on Tuesday.
Collin Co. Republican Barbra Isaacs is signing up Paxton supporters to take bus trip to Austin on Tuesday for the impeachment trail. She said, “It’s a kangaroo court and I want to be there to pray for him.” pic.twitter.com/gSz8hWlgE4
— Brian New (@BrianNewCBS) September 2, 2023
"The thing is, we love Ken Paxton," said Isaacs. "We love our attorney general."
Isaacs was signing people up to join her on a bus ride to the Capitol for the impeachment trial.
"I think it is all a witch hunt,' Isaacs said. "I think they have been trying to take Ken out for years. They weren't able to do it at the ballot box so they are doing it this way instead."
State Senator Angela Paxton is also in attendance at the Collin Co. Republican Party Labor Day picnic. Next week, she will sit on the court of impeachment but will not be allowed to vote due to a conflict of interest. pic.twitter.com/67Nqz553B0
— Brian New (@BrianNewCBS) September 2, 2023
Paxton's wife shared that she will be running for re-election for Senate District 8.
Other speakers included Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, County Judge Chris Hill, County Sheriff Jim Skinner and Congressman Keith Self.
The Texas House of Representatives voted to impeach Paxton in a 121-23 vote over Memorial Day Weekend.
The 20 articles of impeachment against him include allegations of abuse of public trust, being unfit for office, dereliction of duty and constitutional bribery. In short, Paxton is accused of abusing his office to benefit Austin real estate developer Nate Paul, who donated $25,000 to his campaign and himself.
Paxton is only the third Texas official, and second statewide, to be impeached.