Tesla CEO Elon Musk handed out million-dollar checks to two Wisconsin voters on Sunday night, in an effort to shift the state’s top court to the right. In the upcoming election on April 1, voters will decide between a conservative and a liberal judge, with the vote viewed as an early indication of sentiment towards US President Donald Trump. Musk, a key advisor to Trump, is also offering $20 to supporters of the conservative candidate for each voter they bring in over the next two days.
This state-level election is already the most expensive judicial race in US history, with costs exceeding $81 million to date. Unlike the appointment process in other states, Wisconsin has Supreme Court judges elected by citizens. The race involves liberal judge Susan Crawford and conservative Brad Schimel; a win for Schimel would lean the court in a more conservative direction.
Musk’s actions are seen as critical due to the state’s importance in determining issues like abortion rights, labor laws, and potentially redistricting before the November Congressional elections. The importance Musk places on this outcome shows his significant influence and clout.
Critics have pointed out Musk’s past support for conservative causes and his substantial financial backing of Trump’s presidential campaign. Some sought legal action to block Musk’s payouts to voters, but their efforts were unsuccessful. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, Musk-affiliated groups have already spent over $17.5 million in support of Schimel.
Musk wields considerable unofficial power in the US, including his recent appointment by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, an entity created despite the titular reference to a popular internet meme. This role has provided Musk the opportunity to significantly reshape the federal government apparatus, including substantial firings of civil servants and cuts to foreign aid. Consequently, Musk’s involvement in the Wisconsin judicial race is just one example of his broad impact on the US political landscape.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/musk-hands-out-millions-in-bid-to-sway-wisconsin-court-vote/a-72091813?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
