MADISON, Wis. — In a legal battle that heightens the tension amid an already contentious Supreme Court race in Wisconsin, the state’s attorney general has initiated a lawsuit against tech billionaire Elon Musk, aiming to halt his plan to distribute $1 million checks to select voters. The lawsuit, brought by Attorney General Josh Kaul, challenges Musk’s proposal as potentially unlawful under state and federal regulations regarding electoral incentives.
Kaul, a Democrat, expressed urgent concern over the scheme, which he argues could infringe upon laws designed to protect the integrity of the voting process. The controversy centers on Musk’s initial promise to reward two individuals who participated in the election with $1 million each, ostensibly to recognize their civic participation. This proposal was quickly modified following backlash and legal scrutiny, with Musk stating the funds would instead support spokespeople for a petition against what he termed “activist judges.”
Legal experts, including Rick Hasen, a prominent scholar, have raised alarms that such financial incentives, originally tied to voter participation, could violate federal statutes that prohibit exchanging money for votes or voter registration.
In a subsequent pivot, Musk repositioned the monetary giveaways as awards for those advocating his cause against specific judicial figures, specifying that recipients would be chosen from individuals who signed his related petition. This shift mirrors tactics revealed in a Pennsylvania case from November, where Musk’s campaign payments were designated for “spokespeople” rather than random petition signatories.
This legal showdown arrives amid an unprecedented flow of money into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, with spending already surpassing $81 million, setting a new record for the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history. The race features liberal candidate Susan Crawford and conservative Brad Schimel vying for a crucial seat that could tip the balance of the state’s highest court. This influx of funds underscores the national significance attributed to the outcome of this election, given Wisconsin’s pivotal role as a swing state.
Support from groups associated with Musk has reportedly contributed millions to bolster Schimel’s campaign, indicating the tech mogul’s vested interest in shaping the judicial landscape of the state. Musk’s involvement intensified following a legal confrontation between Tesla, the electric car company he leads, and the state of Wisconsin over laws restricting direct-to-consumer auto sales—an issue that might eventually reach the very court Musk seeks to influence.
The unfolding drama continues to stoke debate over the intersection of wealth and political influence, with Musk’s actions sparking discussions on the broader implications for democratic processes. As the legal proceedings progress, they promise to not only scrutinize Musk’s electoral gambits but also to underscore the broader challenges of maintaining fairness in an era of increasingly monetized political campaigns.
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