Deece - Thanks for your coverage of these proceedings,
You state that if the Senate does convict Paxton on any of the charges, it then must make a separate decision about whether Paxton should be banned from statewide office in the future.
But as I understand the relevant section of the Texas Constitution (a little light reading before the trial) Article 15. Sec.2 lists the offices that shall be tried by the Senate and that list includes the AG. Then Sec. 4 reads in part: “Judgement in cases of impeachment shall extend only to removal from office, and disqualification from holding any office of honor, trust, or profit under this state.”
So...if we consider the AG's office to be one of honor in this day and age, if Paxton is convicted, doesn’t it automatically follow that he can't hold statewide office again?
Deece - Thanks for your coverage of these proceedings,
You state that if the Senate does convict Paxton on any of the charges, it then must make a separate decision about whether Paxton should be banned from statewide office in the future.
But as I understand the relevant section of the Texas Constitution (a little light reading before the trial) Article 15. Sec.2 lists the offices that shall be tried by the Senate and that list includes the AG. Then Sec. 4 reads in part: “Judgement in cases of impeachment shall extend only to removal from office, and disqualification from holding any office of honor, trust, or profit under this state.”
So...if we consider the AG's office to be one of honor in this day and age, if Paxton is convicted, doesn’t it automatically follow that he can't hold statewide office again?
Cherry
Great question! As I understand it, that is a second, separate determination the senators must make. I will double-check that, though.
(Thanks for your "light reading!")
See Rule 30(a) of the Senate Rules of Impeachment: https://senate.texas.gov/_assets/coi/docs/SR_35.pdf
Link to the Substack Chat (I think): https://substack.com/chat/672693/post/0de35772-60c7-490a-8862-e8a9af21d288
Houston NBC and CBS channels are covering this morning’s proceedings with some local commentators providing their own insights.
Along with highlight coverage on Major Cable channels.
With you all the way!