Wisconsin AG Files Lawsuit Against Musk's $2 Million Giveaway

In a stunning move, Wisconsin's Attorney General Josh Kaul has filed a lawsuit aimed at halting Elon Musk's controversial $2 million giveaway intended for voters ahead of the critical state supreme court election scheduled for April 1. Kaul labeled the initiative an “egregious attempt to buy votes,” asserting that Musk and his political action committee, America PAC, have breached Wisconsin’s election laws.

The Stakes of the Upcoming Election

This upcoming election has garnered national significance, as it will potentially decide whether the Wisconsin Supreme Court, presently balanced between liberals and conservatives, will tilt towards a more liberal majority. The implications of this shift could reverberate throughout the state’s judicial rulings for years to come.

Musk Announces Plans for Giveaway

On March 27, Musk took to social media platform X to announce he would appear in Wisconsin, revealing plans to personally deliver checks worth one million dollars each to two individuals in appreciation for participating in the election. The very next day, Musk clarified that the recipients of these checks would act as spokespeople for a petition advanced by America PAC, which criticizes “activist judges.”

Incentives for Participation

The petition features an enticing offer—a promise of $100 for voters simply for signing, with an additional $100 due for each referral. Recently, America PAC trumpeted Scott Ainsworth from Green Bay as their first "1 Million spokesperson” who signed the petition, complete with a promotional video featuring him next to a visually striking oversized cheque.

Attorney General's Commitment to Election Integrity

In his efforts to elevate election integrity, Kaul emphasized his commitment to ensuring “safe, secure, free, and fair” elections in Wisconsin. With a liberal justice retiring, the open position on the court holds substantial weight, effectively shaping the future of state laws amidst an electorate increasingly influenced by national trends and figures.

The Candidates and Political Climate

The rivalry in this race pits Democrat-backed Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford against Republican-supported Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel. Both Musk and former President Donald Trump have vocally allied with Schimel on their social platforms, adding another layer of complexity to this politically charged atmosphere.

Musk's Event Accessibility

Musk's upcoming talk in Wisconsin will reportedly only be accessible to those who have signed the petition opposing perceived activist judges. The Brennan Center for Justice, a liberal think tank, has estimated that the total funding for the Wisconsin race could hit a staggering $81 million, setting a record for state-level judicial races.

Previous Scrutiny Surrounding Musk

This isn’t the first instance of scrutiny surrounding Musk during an election. During the 2024 presidential campaign, he, with the backing of Trump, promised a daily giveaway of $1 million to a registered voter from key swing states, further inciting concerns about potential violations of election laws. The Department of Justice under the Biden administration even issued a warning to Musk regarding the legality of his contest plans.

Conclusion and Future Developments

Will Attorney General Kaul's lawsuit succeed in curtailing Musk's controversial actions? As this high-stakes election approaches, the nation watches closely to see how these developments play out in Wisconsin’s judicial battleground.