‘He cannot buy an election here in Wisconsin’: Sanders slams Musk in state Trump won by less than 1%

Bernie Sanders Takes Aim at Elon Musk’s Influence in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

In a recent stop on his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour in Wisconsin, Senator Bernie Sanders criticized Elon Musk for his significant financial contributions to Brad Schimel, a conservative candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Sanders highlighted the hypocrisy of Musk’s involvement, emphasizing the need to combat the influence of billionaires in politics. This move by Musk has drawn attention to the broader issue of money in elections and the potential for undue influence on judicial outcomes.

Response from Schimel and Sanders’ Team

Brad Schimel responded by accusing Sanders of hypocrisy, pointing out that Sanders’ presence in Wisconsin to influence the election was contradictory. Sanders’ team, however, differentiated his efforts by stating that while Sanders mobilizes people, Musk mobilizes money. They emphasized Sanders’ commitment to a one-person, one-vote system, contrasting it with Musk’s financial strategies, which they argue undermine democratic principles.

The High-Stakes Race and Financial Investments

The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is pivotal, with significant financial investments from both sides. Musk’s political action committee has contributed heavily to Schimel’s campaign, while George Soros has supported Susan Crawford, the opposing candidate. This race is not just about the Supreme Court’s balance but also highlights the broader implications of money in elections, especially in a battleground state like Wisconsin.

Sanders’ Push for Campaign Finance Reform

Using this race as a platform, Sanders advocate for comprehensive campaign finance reform, including overturning Citizens United and implementing public funding of elections. He emphasized the need for a system where elections are not dictated by billionaires but by the votes of the people. Sanders indicted both Republican and Democratic billionaires, underscoring that the influence of money in politics is a bipartisan issue.

DNC and Schimel’s Defense

The Democratic National Committee supported Sanders’ stance, criticizing Musk’s influence and endorsing candidates who prioritize public interest over billionaires. Schimel defended his campaign spending as necessary to compete, accusing liberal justices of acting as activists rather than impartial interpreters of the law.

Broader Implications and Conclusions

The debate surrounding the Wisconsin Supreme Court race reflects broader concerns about the role of money in politics and the integrity of democratic processes. Sanders’ call for reform resonates beyond Wisconsin, highlighting the need for systemic changes to ensure elections reflect the will of the people rather than the influence of the wealthy.