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Elon Musk Distributes $1 Million in Wisconsin Voter Giveaway Amidst Supreme Court Election Controversy
Tech billionaire Elon Musk distributed $1 million via cheques to Wisconsin voters after the state Supreme Court declined to intervene in a dispute over the legality of the giveaway. This action occurred in the lead-up to Wisconsin’s closely watched Supreme Court election, intensifying the already heated political climate surrounding the judicial race.
Legal Challenge to Musk’s Prize
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, initiated legal action to halt the giveaway. Kaul argued that Musk’s initiative violated state law prohibiting offers of value in exchange for votes. This legal challenge framed Musk’s action as an attempt to sway voter behavior through financial inducement.
High Stakes Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election has garnered national attention due to its potential to shift the court’s ideological balance. The race, which pits a conservative candidate against a liberal candidate, has become a focal point in the broader political landscape, with significant implications for future rulings on key issues. It is also the most expensive judicial election in US history.
Musk’s Rally and Cheque Distribution
During a rally on Sunday evening, Musk addressed attendees, stating his desire for “judges to be judges.” Subsequently, he presented two $1 million cheques to voters who had signed a petition against “activist” judges. This event directly followed the legal setbacks faced by Attorney General Kaul.
Free Speech Argument and Court Decisions
In response to the legal challenge, Musk’s legal team contended that Kaul’s efforts represented an infringement on Musk’s right to free speech. They argued that the giveaway was intended to stimulate public opposition to activist judges and not to explicitly influence votes for or against any specific candidate. Lower courts initially sided with Musk, prompting Kaul’s appeal to the state Supreme Court, which was ultimately rejected.
Candidates and Endorsements
Musk, along with former President Donald Trump, has publicly endorsed Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, the conservative candidate in the Supreme Court race. Their endorsements aim to shift the court away from its current liberal leanings. Schimel is competing against Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, who has received endorsements from the Supreme Court’s liberal justices. Musk has reportedly donated $14 million to Judge Schimel’s campaign.
Allegations of Bias
Lawyers representing Musk further argued that certain Supreme Court justices who had publicly supported Judge Crawford should recuse themselves from ruling on matters related to this case, citing potential bias. This argument underscores the intense scrutiny and political maneuvering surrounding the election.
National Implications of the Election
Political analysts view the Wisconsin Supreme Court race as a significant indicator of national political sentiment, particularly in the context of Donald Trump’s influence. The outcome is anticipated to have repercussions for future legal battles concerning critical issues such as abortion rights, congressional redistricting, and voting regulations that could impact the 2026 midterm elections.
Musk’s Stance on Redistricting
Musk has explicitly stated that his involvement in the election is motivated by a desire to prevent redistricting that could favor Democrats in Congress. This perspective highlights the broader political ramifications of the judicial race and Musk’s engagement in shaping electoral landscapes.
Candidate’s Distance from Musk
Despite Musk’s substantial financial backing and public endorsement, Judge Schimel appeared to create distance from Musk in the days leading up to the election. Schimel stated to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he was unaware of Musk’s rally and had no plans to attend, indicating a possible strategic move to mitigate potential negative associations.
Past Voter Giveaways
This is not Musk’s first instance of offering giveaways to voters. In the previous year, he proposed a $1 million daily cash prize to voters in Wisconsin and other swing states who signed petitions supporting First and Second Amendment rights. In that instance, a Pennsylvania judge deemed the giveaway legal, rejecting claims that it constituted an unlawful lottery.