With the election set to determine the balance of power on the court, Musk's gesture has intensified the spotlight on the contest, characterized as the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history. During a rally, Musk claimed he is merely advocating for impartiality among judges, and he distributed two $1 million cheques to individuals who had signed a petition aimed at opposing “activist” judges.
Kaul accused Musk of attempting to buy votes illegally, while Musk's legal team argued that the attorney general's actions were an infringement on Musk's political speech rights under the First Amendment. Two lower courts had sided with Musk before Kaul sought intervention from the state’s highest court, which ultimately declined to hear the matter.
Musk has been clear about his political preferences, endorsing conservative candidate Judge Brad Schimel over his liberal opponent Judge Susan Crawford. The ensuing battle for judicial control is being viewed by analysts as a reflection of the political climate surrounding Trump’s presidency and a harbinger for future legislative concerns regarding abortion rights and voting regulations.
In a notable twist, Schimel has recently distanced himself from Musk, stating he was unaware of the rally where the checks were being awarded. This isn’t Musk's first foray into electoral influence, as he previously offered cash prizes to voters who supported amendments to the Constitution. A judge previously ruled that similar cash giveaways did not constitute unlawful lotteries. As the election approaches, all eyes are on whether Musk's controversial tactics will sway the vote in Wisconsin.
Kaul accused Musk of attempting to buy votes illegally, while Musk's legal team argued that the attorney general's actions were an infringement on Musk's political speech rights under the First Amendment. Two lower courts had sided with Musk before Kaul sought intervention from the state’s highest court, which ultimately declined to hear the matter.
Musk has been clear about his political preferences, endorsing conservative candidate Judge Brad Schimel over his liberal opponent Judge Susan Crawford. The ensuing battle for judicial control is being viewed by analysts as a reflection of the political climate surrounding Trump’s presidency and a harbinger for future legislative concerns regarding abortion rights and voting regulations.
In a notable twist, Schimel has recently distanced himself from Musk, stating he was unaware of the rally where the checks were being awarded. This isn’t Musk's first foray into electoral influence, as he previously offered cash prizes to voters who supported amendments to the Constitution. A judge previously ruled that similar cash giveaways did not constitute unlawful lotteries. As the election approaches, all eyes are on whether Musk's controversial tactics will sway the vote in Wisconsin.
