Paxton "Saddened" by Withdrawn Endorsement

Sen. Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, is "saddened" that the Allen Police Association has withdrawn its endorsement of him in the race for attorney general, his spokesman said.

The association, which represents police officers in the senator's home district in Collin County, said it could no longer support Paxton because he had violated state securities law and was disciplined and fined by the Texas State Securities Board. The group also cited Paxton's refusal to answer specific questions about the allegations that led to his admission and reprimand.

Paxton spokesman Anthony Holm noted that the endorsement came on the same day former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft endorsed the senator and called the police association a "fine organization."

"Sen. Paxton has proven he will take responsibility and quickly and forthrightly address matters," Holm said. "The securities issues have been fully resolved, and we are moving forward."