Money Talks: Big Spenders in Wisconsin's Court Battle

Wisconsin is in the spotlight for a heated Supreme Court election. The state's top legal official, Josh Kaul, has asked the state's Supreme Court to halt billionaire Elon Musk's plan to give away $1 million checks to two voters. This request came just before Musk's planned giveaway at a rally supporting one of the candidates. The legal battle is intense. Two lower courts have already turned down Kaul's challenge, which argues that Musk's offer breaks a state law against giving anything of value in exchange for a vote. Kaul's argument is straightforward: offering money for votes is not allowed in Wisconsin. The stakes are high in this election. The current Supreme Court has a slim liberal majority, and the outcome could shift the balance of power. Five of the seven justices have endorsed candidates, which could complicate their ability to rule on the Musk lawsuit impartially. Musk's involvement is significant. He has spent millions to support one of the candidates, Brad Schimel. Schimel, backed by Trump, has promised to reject "activist" judges and follow the law. Meanwhile, the other candidate, Susan Crawford, has the support of the liberal justices and has not commented on the legal filing. The election has broken spending records. Over $81 million has been poured into the race, making it one of the most expensive judicial elections in history. Musk's tactics are not new. He used a similar strategy during the last presidential election, offering money to voters who signed a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments. The election's outcome could have far-reaching effects. Wisconsin's Supreme Court is expected to rule on major issues like abortion rights, voting rules, and congressional redistricting. These decisions could impact future elections in the state. The rally, set for Green Bay, is a key event. Musk plans to hand over the checks to voters who signed an online petition against "activist" judges. The event is limited to those who have signed the petition, adding another layer to the complex political landscape. The legal and political drama in Wisconsin is a reminder of the influence of big money in elections. As the state prepares to vote, all eyes are on how this battle will unfold and what it means for the future of the state's highest court.