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What Next | Will Elon Musk Buy Another Election?
Mar 31, 2025
In this discussion, John Nichols, an associate editor at The Capital Times and electoral politics expert, dives into Wisconsin's unprecedented Supreme Court race. He examines how Elon Musk's staggering $19.3 million contributions have transformed a traditionally nonpartisan election into a high-stakes battle for control. Nichols discusses Musk's influence on voter behavior and the ethical implications of money in politics. He also highlights the contrasting ideologies of the candidates and the race's broader impact on voting rights and gerrymandering in Wisconsin.
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Quick takeaways
- The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has become the most expensive in U.S. history, driven by significant financial contributions from Elon Musk.
- Voter concerns about economic issues like Medicare and Social Security are critically influencing the judicial election's dynamics and voter behavior.
Deep dives
Record-Breaking Spending in Wisconsin Politics
Wisconsin's Supreme Court race is witnessing unprecedented financial spending, projected to reach approximately $100 million, marking it as the most expensive in both the state and U.S. history. This record can be attributed to significant contributions from Elon Musk, who has already pledged around $19.3 million to support one of the candidates. The influx of money reflects a trend of escalating costs in elections that are pivotal within swing states like Wisconsin. This surge in campaign finance raises concerns regarding the influence of wealth on judicial independence, especially with Musk's unconventional strategies, including offering monetary incentives to voters for signing petitions against ‘activist judges’.
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