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Prominent political consultant and Travis County GOP Chair, Matt Mackowiak, recently weighed in on the upcoming trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and the unusual public disagreement between Lieutenant Governor Patrick and Governor Abbott. Mackowiak anticipates that Paxton will not resign before his trial commences this summer, and he views the Patrick-Abbott disagreement as a policy issue, not indicative of deeper issues within the party.
Mackowiak emphasizes the uncommon nature of the public disagreement between Patrick and Abbott, given that their differences have generally remained private throughout their two terms of collaboration. He thinks the current disagreement originates from contrasting preferences on property taxes. The House and the influential Texas Public Policy Foundation are in favor of compression, while the Senate leans towards an appraisal cap or an increased homestead exemption.
Regarding Attorney General Ken Paxton's trial, Mackowiak does not expect Paxton to resign prior to the trial, as Paxton is known for taking risks and maintains his innocence. Mackowiak highlights that Paxton has had multiple opportunities to resign or admit fault in the past but has never done so. Additionally, he points out that six of Paxton's top officials in the Attorney General's office have taken leaves of absence to support him in the trial, demonstrating that some still believe in his innocence.
Concerning the potential impact of Paxton's trial on the Republican Party of Texas, Mackowiak acknowledges Paxton's anti-establishment background and his resilience in the face of adversity. He believes that the party will not remove Paxton from office during the trial, as it would require nine Republicans to join all 12 Democrats to reach the necessary 2/3 threshold. Mackowiak recognizes that new facts may emerge before the trial in late July, but currently predicts that the Senate will not remove Paxton from office.
In summary, Matt Mackowiak projects that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will not resign before his trial this summer, and the Senate is unlikely to remove him from office. The public disagreement between Lieutenant Governor Patrick and Governor Abbott is considered a policy issue, without hinting at deeper problems within their party.
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