Particle.news
Download on the App Store
23 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Ken Paxton Seeks Jail for Beto O’Rourke After Alleged Fundraising Order Violation

Paxton alleges that O’Rourke defied a judge’s fundraising injunction by soliciting donations for the lawmakers who broke quorum.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 03: Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke speaks during the 2020 Public Service Forum hosted by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) at UNLV on August 3, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nineteen of the 24 candidates running for the Democratic party's 2020 presidential nomination are addressing union members in a state with one of the largest organized labor populations in the United States. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Tarrant County Judge Megan Fahey issued a temporary restraining order on Aug. 8 barring Powered by People from using or raising funds for travel, lodging or fines for over 50 Democrats who fled Texas to deny quorum.
  • In a motion filed Aug. 12, Attorney General Ken Paxton asked the court to hold O’Rourke in contempt, impose $500 fines per violation and jail him for soliciting contributions at a Fort Worth rally and via social media.
  • O’Rourke has denied breaching the order, sued Paxton to halt the attorney general’s probe and said the allegations misrepresent his rally remarks.
  • Judge Fahey has scheduled a hearing for Aug. 19 to consider Paxton’s contempt request and decide on further injunction measures.
  • Republican leaders have also pursued arrest warrants, seat-removal petitions and continued $500-per-day fines to pressure absent lawmakers to return to Austin.