What Next | Daily News and Analysis Will Elon Musk Buy Another Election?
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Mar 31, 2025 John Nichols, associate editor at The Capital Times and expert on electoral issues, tackles the unprecedented financial stakes in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race, reaching nearly $100 million. He reveals Elon Musk's staggering $19.3 million influence and his attempts to steer judicial appointments. Nichols discusses the ideological shift in the court and how this impacts crucial issues like abortion rights. The conversation also uncovers the sensational tactics used in campaigning and the broader implications of billionaire influence on democracy.
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Musk's Unconventional Tactics
- Elon Musk's representatives offered voters $100 to sign petitions and entered them into a million-dollar lottery.
- This unusual tactic raises legal questions in Wisconsin's campaign finance laws.
Wisconsin: The Ultimate Battleground
- Wisconsin is a unique swing state with a long history of close elections, often decided by small margins.
- This makes the state's Supreme Court a key referee in political disputes.
The Politicization of Wisconsin's Supreme Court
- In 2011, the court became politicized under Governor Scott Walker leading to a pushback from progressives.
- This resulted in the court flipping from conservative to progressive control.