Thread by @EvaRuth

House Board of Managers just walked in.

In other news, one of the high profile lawyers involved quoted Hunter S. Thompson to me on his way to the Senate floor. Any guesses?

Angela Paxton gave a knowing smile to Tony Buzbee, who is defending her husband, as she walked to her seat. She also looked up to the gallery a few times and smiled. Now, Dan Patrick is swearing in jurors (senators) using the Sam Houston Bible.

with all involved sworn in, Dan Patrick said they'll now take up 24 pre-trial motions. There are 16 motions that jurors will vote on (majority wins); Patrick will vote on the remaining 8. The charges could be dismissed now, which is what folks I spoke to earlier are hoping.

motions are all here if ya want to follow along: senate.texas.gov/coi.php

It was absolute silence as Patsy Spaw read out the written votes on the first pretrial motion to dismiss, which failed 24 - 6. Patrick verifying votes by voice now.

Paxton continues to sit emotionless between his lawyers during this painstaking voting process -- senators vote on paper, then verify with voice vote. So far, defense has lost all motions.

Patrick has ruled that Paxton cannot be compelled to testify during the trial. Taking a short 10-minute break, then Paxton will be asked how he pleads, then 12:15 p.m. lunch break.

As secretary Patsy Spaw reads the impeachment articles, Paxton stands with hands clasped, flanked by lawyers Tony Buzbee and Dan Cogdell. He's pleading not guilty.

Rep. Murr kicking off opening statements for House Board of Managers. Paxton isn't here -- was required to come in at 9 a.m. "Mr. Paxton turned the keys of the Office of the Attorney General over to Nate Paul"

here's our story from today so far, w/ @mollyhf: washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/09…

Murr used ~ 15 of his 60 mins, quoting Sam Houston - who was elected pres of Texas today in 1836 - who said, "do right, and risk the consequences." Angela Paxton watched intently, taking notes. Tony Buzbee now opening for the defense. "This whole case is a lot of nothing."

Defense attys have less than 20 mins left of their allotted time for opening. Buzbee started, Cogdell is now going through some slides with text/a few photos -- much like you might see during voir dire in a regular trial. Senators all have tablets on their desks.

side-note: I interviewed Dan Cogdell in 2013 about his role co-defending (with "Racehorse" Haynes) the former Texas Slave Ranch owners. You might have time to read the resulting story before he finishes opening: mysanantonio.com/news/local/art…

Paxton's team used all but 1 minute of their 60-minute allocation for opening. House BOM side used 18, so they'll get to use the remaining 42 mins on their case. Short break before first witness is called.

Prosecution's first witness is Jeff Mateer, 57, who just realized how powerful the microphone is. He's a former top aide and - as he testified - not a RINO. Here's what Paxton said about him back in 2021 texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/…

lawyers have now spent several minutes arguing over whether or not to admit an exhibit. Hardin says Buzbee is objecting to his own exhibit; Buzbee disagrees. Taking 5 to clear this up.

they'll be working thru those issues overnight -- adjourned for the day. back at 9 a.m.

I asked Sen. Paxton her thoughts as she walked out of the senate at the end of her husband’s impeachment trial today. “Day one,” she said with a sigh.

Oops….Meant to post this hours ago for those on pins and needles re who recited the HST quote to me this morning 😬 It was Cogdell: "You know, in the words of the late, great Hunter S. Tompson, when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.” You win @edwardkoenning!