AUSTIN, Texas — Yesterday, the Texas Senate began the impeachment trial of Ken Paxton, our suspended and indicted attorney general. In case you were not able to watch the trial all day, here is a recap of notable moments from day one’s proceedings.

• Ken Paxton’s attorney pleaded not guilty to every article of impeachment on his behalf, because he’s a coward and knows he is guilty.

• A supermajority of Texas Senate jurors rejected all of Paxton’s 16 pre-trial motions, which included:

• dismissing all articles of impeachment, 

• removing specific Democratic members of the jury, 

• excluding all evidence collected against him, 

• and requesting summary judgment because, the defense claims, there is no evidence of any wrongdoing by Paxton.

• Contrary to civil trial procedure, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick ruled that Paxton could not be compelled to testify during the proceedings.

• Paxton was missing from a majority of yesterday’s proceedings because he believes he is above the law.

Monique Alcala, Texas Democratic Party Executive Director, issued the following statement:

“Paxton’s defense team, led by failed perennial candidate Tony Buzbee, made some ridiculous statements during today’s proceedings. But more striking to me, and to the untold number of everyday Texans watching this trial, is that even when the light of court shines on him, Paxton continues to fight tooth and nail to rig this trial in his favor. Patrick should have ruled in favor of transparency and fairness, and allowed Paxton to testify. By prohibiting the prosecution from calling him to the witness stand, he’s done what we all expected him to do - create a two-tiered system of justice that serves the powerful instead of the best interests of Texans.” 

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