I think any reasonable, objective observer would conclude that Paxton corruptly used his office to serve the interest of a campaign donor. But this is a political calculation for Republican Senators. I honestly think it could go either way. One possible indicator is that after the prosecution rested, Buzbee made a motion to dismiss based on lack of evidence. The Senate went into private session to discuss it, but allegedly there was a supermajority opposed and Buzbee ended up withdrawing his motion.
Wow, I hadn’t heard that bit. Seems to indicate a lean toward a possible conviction, I’d say.
At the very least, again, toward, “no, we WANT there to be a public record of a judgement.” Pro or con.
If you forced me to guess, I’d say he’s going to be convicted. Paxton has been very publicly embarrassed by this trial, and he’s not going to just forgive all of those Republican Senators who voted to go forward with a trial if they end up exonerating him in the end. Better to kill off a wounded beast than let it lash out at you.
I imagine we’ll find out sooner, rather than later. The Senators are being forced to stay in session every day until a verdict is delivered, weekends included.
No verdict tonight, Senators will reconvene at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow to continue their deliberations.
Senate vote expected to start at 11:10 CST. It will be live streamed on The Texas Tribune.
CST or CDT? Is Texas not on Daylight time?
And the Senate has just been called into session. Voting should should start at any moment.
ETA: Ok, not just yet. Being Texas they have to have a long prayer first.
OK interesting system: they will not “call the roll” but each juror will write down their vote, the votes will be collected and the Clerk will read them out in no particular order, article by article, so as to avoid people knowing whether they are the one that puts the vote over or under.
Seems like a lot of nay votes on this first article.
Acquitted on the first count, 15 to go.
It’s a bit premature to speculate, but if Paxton is acquitted across the board, what the hell happens to TX politics then? And is there any public protest or response, or does everyone simply throw up their hands and say: “welp, the criminals have finally taken over the prison. I for one welcome our new prison overlords.”?
All hell will break loose is my prediction. Paxton is a petty, vindictive child and will lash out at all those he perceives to have betrayed him. He will likely use his office in every way he can to go after the Republicans who put this process in motion.
Do you have a feel for which counts are the most likely to result in a guilty verdict?
Acquitted on the first two counts with only two Republicans voting to convict. Not looking good.
If they’re gonna convict on one, they may have decided “let’s pick the worst charge and convict him there, and acquit on the rest, so it looks like we took it seriously and weren’t just piling on” or something. We’ll see.
I kinda want to see him acquitted now.
5 votes, still no convictions.