What I heard at the Paxton Trial, Day One, on Monday in Austin

The historic Impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton began on Monday in the Chamber of the Texas Senate at the State Capitol in Austin.

The Chamber was set up like a courtroom with Lt Governor Dan Patrick, who is the President of the Senate, positioned at the dais like a judge as the presiding officer.  Patrick had four lawyers there to assist him, as he stated he “is not an attorney or a judge”. 

There were two tables angled and facing Patrick where the attorneys for Paxton and the attorneys for the House and the managers sat.  The Senators were seated at their regular desks just like they would sit during a legislative session proceeding. 

Paxton’s wife, Angela Paxton who is a Senator, wore a red suit and sat in her regular seat in the Senate during the trial.  Senator Paxton will not be allowed to vote in her husband’s trial according to the trial rules adopted by the Senate, but she is required to attend the Trial, according to the State Constitution.