In Austin, there's been in-fighting among some Republican leaders as the current legislative session winds down.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claims Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan was drunk during a recent session and he's calling on the speaker to resign, just as we're learning the AG has been under investigation.
A Texas House committee will hold a public hearing today after they announced that have been investigating Paxton over his push to use $3.3 million in taxpayer dollars to settle a whistle blower lawsuit from former deputies who had accused Paxton of misconduct.
The news came hours after Paxton called on Phelan to resign over alleged drunkenness while leading the House.
Paxton questioned the conduct of his fellow Republican after claims that Phelan seemed impaired while overseeing debate early Saturday morning on the House floor.
Paxton released a statement Tuesday afternoon urging Phelan to step down from his post, saying he did so after "much consideration" and with "profound disappointment."
Paxton went on to say, "Texans were dismayed to witness his performance presiding over the Texas House in a state of apparent debilitating intoxication. His conduct has negatively impacted the legislative process and constitutes a failure to live up to his duty to the public."
Rice political Scientist Mark Jones says Phelan was most likely just tired and Paxton is frustrated. He believes the House will block the payout.
Phelan's office says Mr. Paxton's statement is a last ditch effort to save face.
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