Musk gives cash to voters in key WI election

Elon Musk, a top adviser to former President Trump and the CEO of Tesla, made million-dollar giveaways to two Wisconsin voters, ahead of a crucial state Supreme Court election that could flip the court's ideological balance. Musk has used similar stunts in the past to support Trump, and he said this latest move was intended to draw media attention to the race, which currently has liberal candidate Susan Crawford edging ahead of conservative judge Brad Schimel.

The April 1 election will decide the state court's stance on issues like abortion rights, labor rights, and potentially even election rules. While the race is technically nonpartisan, it is seen as an early referendum on Trump, who Musk has staunchly supported. The election has already become the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, with a total of $81 million spent so far, more than a fifth of which came from groups affiliated with Musk to support Schimel.

Protesters gathered outside Musk's event in Green Bay, with one local resident, Greg Davison, criticizing Musk's interference in the state's judicial system. However, others, like Laura Jagdfeld, praised Musk's involvement, saying he is a "good supplement" to Trump's administration.

Efforts by Wisconsin's Democratic attorney general to block Musk's giveaways were ultimately quashed by the court itself, according to the Washington Post. Musk has spent more than $250 million to help elect Trump last year, far more than any other individual, and he has a history of giving checks to voters who support conservative causes.

This latest move appears to show Musk's willingness to get involved in more local races, as he continues to wield his significant financial resources to influence the political landscape.