GLENN ROGERS S STATE REPRESENTATIV District 60 June 13, 2023, To: All Parker County Republicans Re: Resolution Opposing the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton | was disappointed to hear the County Executive Committee of the Parker County Republican Party is considering the approval of a Resolution condemning the vote of the Texas House of Representatives to Impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton. As you are aware, | along with 72% of my House Republicans colleagues found the evidence presented by the Texas House Committee on General investigating to be ‘compelling enough to recommend further action by the Texas Senate. Our decision was not made lightly, and it was a difficult day for us and all other Texans, However, in the end, the evidence warranted further action to protect the integrity of, and public confidence in, our elected institutions. First, the County Executive Committee's Resolution indicates a rush to judgement and a lack of an ‘opportunity for a fair hearing. All House rules of procedure were followed in this matter. The House Committee on Investigating was granted the exclusive authority to investigate these matters and ‘exercised that authority in accordance with the House Rules adopted at the beginning of the 88th Legislature. Further, the House acts similarly to a grand jury in determining whether sufficient evidence exists to recommend a trial in the Senate. Time was given for both opponents and supporters of the Resolution to make their argument on the House floor. However, itis not the role of the House to be the trier of fact in these matters. That authority resides with the Senate. Second, the County Executive Committee's Resolution quotes Texas Government Code 665.081 stating. an officer may not be removed from office for acts that may have been committed prior to the officer's election to office. The Texas Supreme Court has ruled this provision does not apply when the Texas Constitution authorizes a procedure for removing a state officer. This ruling was applied in 1917 during the impeachment of Governor Ferguson and again in 1975 during the impeachment of Judge Carrillo. Third, the County Executive Committee's Resolution indicates the voters would be disenfranchised by this action. The legal framework surrounding impeachment procedures was put in place to preserve our public institutions and protect the voters from the actions of those who may use their elective offices improperly, It is both vital and necessary to representative governments. P.O. BOX 2910 + AUSTIN, TEX GLENN, ROGERS® HOU 18-2910 + pone (512) 463-0656 E-TEXAS.GOV sphens Serving Palo Pinto, Par rand sGLENN ROGERS 1 ‘ATE REPRES ENTATIVE ‘As this proposed Resolution lacks factual merit, | urge the County Executive Committee to reconsider putting it forth for adoption. Moving forward will only cause the Parker County Republican Party to lose credibility, decrease our relevance, and further divide our fellow Republicans. | applaud and support General Paxton for his work in pushing back against the unconstitutional actions and attacks on our liberties by the liberal left. However, no one is above the law and we have a duty to protect the integrity of our public institutions. | think my House colleague Briscoe Caine, who voted in favor of impeachment, said it best, "The worship of men is idolatry." CEs State Representative Glenn Rogers, DVM ‘Texas House District 60 CC:4J, Scott Utley, Chair, Parker County Republican Party P.O. HOX 010 » AUSTIN, TEXAS 78768-2910 + phnc(S12) 403-0050 GLENN ROGERS@HOUSE TEXAS.GOV ‘ving Palo Pinto, Parker aud Stephens