Texas’ Republican attorney general and U.S. Senate candidate, Ken Paxton, held a press conference Tuesday where sheriffs surrounded him without uniforms but in sheriff hats. If the weasely-faced Paxton thought that made him look more manly, and Democratic opponent James Talarico less so, it could not have helped that Paxton refused to provide answers about his two latest scandals.
The first question Paxton couldn’t handle was about “reports that have come out, one in The New York Times about your acquiring properties –“
Paxton interrupted. “Can we keep it on law enforcement?” It was more of a statement than a question. “We’re here with sheriffs; I’d like to keep it on law enforcement,” Paxton said when the questioner pressed. “That’s what I’m going to answer.”
But the question is closely related to law enforcement or maybe lawlessness. The Times article that was referenced states, “Mr. Paxton’s expanding real estate portfolio [at least 15 properties worth about $9 million] has raised questions in the past about how he has amassed his wealth, despite his $153,000 salary as attorney general. Both Mr. Talarico and Mr. Cornyn have suggested Mr. Paxton has used his public role to benefit himself. … Mr. Paxton’s assets have been part of corruption allegations against him during his more than two decades in office.”
Sadly, the reporter didn’t point that out.
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