Texas attorney general’s request for new judge rebuffed

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A judge has rebuffed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s request that he step aside before the Republican stands trial on criminal securities fraud charges in September.
A spokeswoman for state District Judge George Gallagher confirmed Monday that he will stay on the case. Paxton had asked for a new judge after his trial was moved from his hometown in suburban Dallas to Houston.
Melody McDonald Lanier says Gallager doesn’t need to formally rule on the motio