The Wisconsin Supreme Court race between conservative Brad Schimel and liberal Susan Crawford has become a national flashpoint due to its high stakes for policy, unprecedented spending, and implications for partisan control in a critical swing state.
### Key Factors Driving Attention
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The election will decide whether liberals retain their 4-3 majority or conservatives regain control. This shapes rulings on major cases involving abortion, voting rights, Act 10 (public union restrictions), and election disputes.
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Over has been spent so far, surpassing the 2023 record. Schimel benefits from from Elon Musk-affiliated groups, while Crawford draws support from Democratic donors like George Soros and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
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– Schimel supports Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban (no exceptions except to save the mother) but claims it should be decided by voters.
– Crawford opposes the ban and previously sued to overturn Act 10.
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– Schimel defends Wisconsin’s voter ID law, while Crawford challenged it in court.
– Musk’s groups have pushed claims of “voting fraud,” aligning with Schimel’s campaign rhetoric.
### Controversies and Attacks
– : Schimel’s allies attack Crawford for issuing lighter sentences in child sexual assault cases, though legal experts note judges must weigh mitigating factors.
– : Both candidates accuse each other of politicizing the court. Schimel claims Protasiewicz’s 2023 election “politicized” the bench, while Crawford criticizes Schimel’s ties to Trump and Musk.
### National Implications
– The race is a proxy battle between Trump-aligned conservatives and progressive groups. Schimel campaigned with Trump Jr. and Musk-linked funds, while the DNC has mobilized a “People vs. Musk” effort for Crawford.
– Outcomes could influence 2024 election challenges, federal policy disputes, and Musk’s broader political influence.
: Wisconsin’s court is a linchpin for national policy, with rulings likely to impact abortion access, union rights, and election laws. The mix of record spending, ideological clashes, and billionaire involvement has turned a state judicial race into a referendum on democracy and corporate power.
