The impeachment trial of Suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton is underway with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick presiding as the Judge and 31 Senators making up the jury, except Paxton's wife, a state Senator sitting out of the voting.
While it may sound like it's being treated as a legal trial, SMU Political Science Professor Cal Jillson said it's important to know it's not unlike a regular unbiased jury, and these Senators, specifically the 19 Republican Senators, will not just be weighing the evidence presented by each side.
"That's where you get the conflict between partisanship and appearing to be an unbiased jury, a jury that is looking at the facts," said Jillson.
Jillson said besides weighing party ties or connections to Paxton, these Senators will also have their voters in mind as they make their decision.
"You've got to weigh your long-standing relationship with Ken Paxton, which may or may not be entirely positive," said Jillson. "And then you've [got to] weigh the impact of either letting him off or convicting him on the Republican party in Texas."
Jillson says with Paxton's consistent presence in Texas politics over the last eight years he's formed loyal voters and supporters who won't be happy with a guilty verdict putting more pressure on Senate Republicans when making their decision.
"This is a big test of the Republican party," said Jillson. "Whether they're really going to stand for ethical and legal behavior, or whether they're going to stand with a political party that wants to continue holding the attorney general's office with Ken Paxton in place."
Jillson said eyes will be heavily focused on Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick as he has had close ties to Paxton throughout their careers.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
