Despite promise of 'total transparency,' secrecy will be a big part of Ken Paxton impeachment trial

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has promised maximum transparency in the impeachment trial for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, but trial rules recently adopted by the Texas Senate came after an opaque process — and provide for plenty of secrecy going forward.  Any pretrial motions, including requests from Paxton’s legal team to toss out articles of impeachment, will be kept confidential. A special committee of senators will review each pretrial motion behind closed doors and issue written recommendations for how it should be addressed, but those recommendations are to remain confidential as well.