A political action committee funded by billionaire Elon Musk is making headlines in Wisconsin by offering voters $100 to sign a petition opposing what they term "activist judges." This initiative comes just two weeks prior to the crucial Wisconsin Supreme Court election, intensifying the political landscape in the state. The announcement was made by Musk’s group, America PAC, in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday night.
According to the announcement, Wisconsin voters who sign the petition will receive $100, and they can earn an additional $100 for each person they refer who also signs. This strategy aims to galvanize support against the judges perceived as overstepping their bounds. The campaign is particularly significant as it coincides with early voting for the highly contested election set for April 1, where Democratic candidate Susan Crawford faces off against Brad Schimel, the candidate backed by Musk and the Republican Party.
The outcome of this election is pivotal, as it will determine whether the Wisconsin Supreme Court maintains its liberal majority or shifts to a conservative one. The implications extend beyond party lines, influencing critical issues such as abortion rights, public sector unions, and voting regulations. The stakes are high, prompting accusations from Crawford's campaign that Musk is attempting to effectively "buy votes" in an effort to sway the election in favor of Schimel.
This is not the first time Musk’s PAC has engaged in controversial tactics. Ahead of the November presidential election, America PAC offered to pay $1 million daily to voters in Wisconsin and six other battleground states who supported petitions related to the First and Second Amendments. When challenged by Philadelphia’s district attorney, a judge ruled that the initiative did not constitute an illegal lottery, allowing the payments to proceed up until Election Day.
Reports indicate that Musk's organizations, including America PAC and another group named Building for America's Future, have invested over $13 million to support Schimel's campaign. The financial backing highlights Musk's commitment to influencing the judicial landscape in Wisconsin, which could have long-term ramifications for key legal battles.
Crawford’s campaign spokesperson, Derrick Honeyman, has accused Musk of trying to secure a favorable ruling for his company, Tesla, in its ongoing lawsuit against Wisconsin. Just days before launching this campaign, Tesla filed a lawsuit challenging the state's decision to prevent the opening of its dealerships. As the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk's dual roles amplify concerns about conflicts of interest in judicial appointments.
The connection between Schimel and Musk has become a focal point for Crawford and her supporters. A recent ad released by the Wisconsin Democratic Party explicitly accuses Musk of attempting to purchase the Supreme Court seat for Schimel, who has been associated with former President Donald Trump. Schimel recently campaigned alongside Donald Trump Jr., further solidifying their political alignment.
The petition promoted by Musk’s PAC asserts that judges should interpret laws as they are written rather than altering them to fit personal or political agendas. This message resonates with those who support Trump's narrative against "activist judges," aiming to rally Wisconsin voters around a shared concern for judicial integrity. As the election date approaches, the implications of Musk’s financial influence and the strategies employed by both parties will be closely scrutinized by voters and political analysts alike.
