A $90m litmus test - Wisconsin court vote becomes referendum on Musk

In the state of Wisconsin, voters are preparing to head back to the polls for another important election, just five months after a highly contested race. This time, the spotlight is on a vacancy in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and although Elon Musk's name does not appear on the ballot, his influence is felt throughout the campaign. This election has become the most expensive judicial race in the history of the United States, with over $90 million spent so far, including $20 million from Musk and organizations associated with him. The candidates in this race are conservative Brad Schimel, who is backed by President Donald Trump and Musk, and liberal Susan Crawford, who has the support of former President Barack Obama and significant Democratic donors like George Soros. The election is expected to be a close one, with the potential to shift control of the state's highest court, which is currently held by liberal justices with a 4-3 majority. This election also serves as a crucial test of voter sentiment towards Trump, particularly in a state that he narrowly won during the presidential election last November. One voter, Peggy, expressed her strong feelings against Musk, stating, 'I hate Musk! ' She described herself as an independent voter who has become disillusioned with the Republican Party. Peggy believes that Musk has too much influence in politics, saying, 'I think Musk bought the presidency,' referring to the significant amount of money he contributed to Trump's campaign. She hopes that more people will recognize the implications of Musk's involvement in this election. Canvasser Ronneisha Mallet, who is working with a group called Bloc - Black Leaders Organising for Communities, emphasized the importance of this election, saying, 'This really matters. ' She believes that many voters do not realize that this local election has far-reaching consequences. On the day before the election, she was out in a quiet neighborhood encouraging residents to vote. Early voting numbers indicate that around 644,000 people had already cast their ballots by Monday. Some voters, like Peggy, are very passionate about their opinions on Musk and the election. She expressed her concerns about Musk's influence, saying, 'I think he's trying to buy the election here,' and she hopes that people are starting to wake up to the reality of the situation. On the other side of the political spectrum, Democrats have also rallied wealthy donors to support Crawford. Along with Soros, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman have reportedly contributed significant amounts of money to her campaign. However, these donors do not seem to evoke the same level of anger as Musk does among voters. Another resident, who identified himself as Palman, mentioned that he had already voted, partly in response to Musk's involvement. He stated, 'When you're a billionaire, you don't spend money for no reason,' suggesting that Musk's financial contributions are purposeful. Musk even hosted a rally where he handed out two $1 million checks to voters who signed a petition against what he calls 'activist' judges. In Waukesha, a swing county that Trump won, around 100 people gathered at a local brewery to hear Schimel speak. Conor Gunar, a supporter of Musk, expressed his admiration, saying, 'I'm a big fan. ' He believes that billionaires should be involved in politics just like Democratic donors. Scarlett Johnson, another supporter, attended a recent Musk event and described it as 'great fun. ' However, she also acknowledged the criticism surrounding billionaire involvement in politics. Some people argue that it would be better if no billionaires were involved at all, but since they are, it should be fair for both sides. In Wisconsin, there are numerous billboards and advertisements warning voters about Musk's influence, with messages like 'don't let Elon buy our court. ' A recent poll indicates that 53% of registered voters in Wisconsin view Musk unfavorably. Ben Wickler, the chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, believes that if Crawford can defeat Schimel, it will provide a clear strategy for how to combat the influence of wealthy individuals like Musk in American politics. Allison Prasch, a professor specializing in political rhetoric, stated that this election serves as a strategic test for both parties. She noted that Wisconsin was very close in the last presidential election, and the outcome of this race will offer insights into future elections. Critics of Musk argue that he has practical reasons to be invested in this election, particularly due to an ongoing case involving Tesla that could reach the state supreme court. Musk is suing Wisconsin over a law that prevents car manufacturers from owning dealerships, while Tesla's business model relies on operating its own showrooms. A Republican strategist commented that Musk, like any other citizen, has the right to support campaigns that align with his views. The result of this election will not only serve as a referendum on Trump's presidency but will also test Musk's reputation as a significant player in American politics.