Changes

Complicating matters is that, in addition to limited precedent (there have been only two trials for removal in Texas history, and none in nearly half a century) in determining what the rules of the trial should be, two Senators have actual or potential conflicts which may require recusal from voting: Angela Paxton (his wife) and Bryan Hughes (the alleged "straw requestor" on the foreclosure opinion, who may be called as a witness by the House).  As it is likely that all 12 Democrat Senators will vote to remove, if Paxton and Hughes must or choose to recuse themselves, the Senate would need nine out of the remaining 17 Republican Senators (just over half) to vote to remove.

Complicating matters is that, in addition to limited precedent (there have been only two trials for removal in Texas history, and none in nearly half a century) in determining what the rules of the trial should be, two Senators have actual or potential conflicts which may require recusal from voting: Angela Paxton (his wife) and Bryan Hughes (the alleged "straw requestor" on the foreclosure opinion, who may be called as a witness by the House).  As it is likely that all 12 Democrat Senators will vote to remove, if Paxton and Hughes must or choose to recuse themselves, the Senate would need nine out of the remaining 17 Republican Senators (just over half) to vote to remove.

==Paxton Reaction==

==Reactions==

While the impeachment hearing was underway, Representative Geren commented that Paxton had called several Representatives, in what he termed an attempt to intimidate them into voting against impeachment.  Later, Paxton purportedly provided documentation to Senators outlining why the charges were invalid.  In response, Representative Eddie Morales argued that those actions should result in additional articles of impeachment for witness intimidation and jury tampering.

While the impeachment hearing was underway, Representative Geren commented that Paxton had called several Representatives, in what he termed an attempt to intimidate them into voting against impeachment.  Later, Paxton purportedly provided documentation to Senators outlining why the charges were invalid.  In response, Representative Eddie Morales argued that those actions should result in additional articles of impeachment for witness intimidation and jury tampering.

Paxton has issued a report denying the charges, claiming that his actions to fire the staffers were justified due to their insubordination.<ref>https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/files/executive-management/Internal%20Report.pdf</ref>.  Later he added a report from an outside law firm, further supporting his actions.<ref>https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Report.pdf</ref>

Paxton has issued a report denying the charges, claiming that his actions to fire the staffers were justified due to their insubordination.<ref>https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/files/executive-management/Internal%20Report.pdf</ref>.  Later he added a report from an outside law firm, further supporting his actions.<ref>https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Report.pdf</ref>

The Collin County Republican Party passed a resolution condemning the impeachment; however, it has chosen not to publicly post it.

The Collin County Republican Party passed a resolution condemning the impeachment; however, it has chosen not to publicly post it. On the other hand, the Republican Party of Texas posted their resolution condemning the impeachment.<ref>https://texasgop.org/paxtonimpeachment/</ref>

== Retaliation by [[Gambling]] Industry? ==

== Retaliation by [[Gambling]] Industry? ==