Republican attorney general candidate Ken Paxton says hes moved past his legal troubles and is focused on beating his Democratic opponent and continuing Texas fight against federal encroachment.
In a rare interview last week with The Dallas Morning News, Paxton said he is mindful that political rivals are pushing a narrative that he faces a possible indictment, perhaps even after he takes office as the states top lawyer.
In May, the Texas State Securities Board said Paxton violated state law by soliciting clients, for pay, for a company that dispenses investment advice even though he had not registered with the board. He was fined $1,000. It can be a crime, but Paxton describes it as an administrative error.
We resolved the issue in the spring, Paxton said in Allen. They have been saying that [indictment was possible] ever since. I continue to work on my campaign. Thats something we took care of in the spring.
But Paxtons Democratic rival, Houston attorney Sam Houston, said the Republican is unfit for office, a mantra that Paxtons GOP primary opponents also tried to trumpet. He and others say its possible that Paxton will face criminal charges.
He admitted to committing a felony, and he may or may not be indicted, Houston said. He wants to be the states top law enforcement officer, and he broke the law. He needs to answer to it.
Paxton says hes already addressed the issue. But Houston has complained that Paxton doesnt want to debate him and has avoided interviews with mainstream news outlets.
I understand that they are somewhat desperate, Paxton said. Its three weeks before early voting. Our goal is to get to as many voters as we can. We dont base our decisions on what my opponent wants me to do.
Paxton is heavily favored to succeed Attorney General Greg Abbott, who is the GOP nominee for governor, given the Republicans advantage in Texas.
The state senator from McKinney said he wants the AGs office to be efficient and transparent. And he looks forward to handling cases that are already in front of Abbott.
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Paxton dismisses securities fine, focuses on campaign