Wisconsin Chooses Liberal Susan Crawford for State Supreme Court

Swing state Wisconsin chose liberal Susan Crawford by about 10 points over conservative Brad Schimel for its state Supreme Court for a 10 year term, thwarting Republican plans to flip the court from its 4 to 3 liberal tilt.

Elon Musk and his political action committee spent an estimated $26 million in Wisconsin on Schimel’s behalf, including paying voters in such apparent disregard of state law that the state Attorney General went to court against his widely publicized payments. Courts did not weigh in before the election. Musk paid $100 to signers of a petition designed to identify likely Schimel voters and paid $1 million each to two voters.

Musk is pouring money into elections across the country on behalf of Republican candidates, often featuring cash to voters in schemes similar to the Wisconsin election, with similarly questionable legality.

In total, this election dwarfed the record-setting $56 million contest for a state Supreme Court seat in 2023. This year’s election burned through an estimated $100 million.

Officials described turnout as so heavy it was “historic,” especially in the state’s largest city, Milwaukee.

In addition to issues that are hot with the public, the state Supreme Court is likely to have a strong hand in the way Congressional districts are redrawn. It is the final barrier against gerrymandering. Also on its way to the court is a case involving the ability of Elon Musk’s company Tesla to sell cars in the state.

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