Key takeaways:

• Elon Musk's America PAC is offering $100 to Wisconsin voters who sign a petition against "activist judges."
• The initiative aims to influence the state Supreme Court election scheduled for April 1.
• This tactic recalls Musk's previous controversial cash-for-signature schemes during the 2024 election cycle.

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, is reintroducing a controversial fundraising tactic ahead of an imminent Wisconsin Supreme Court election. His political action committee, America PAC, is offering $100 to every registered voter in Wisconsin who signs a petition opposing "activist judges." The petition's language advocates for a judiciary that interprets laws strictly, rejecting what it labels as judges who impose their personal or political agendas.

The push comes as Wisconsin gears up for a pivotal election on April 1, which could determine the ideological balance of the state's highest court. Musicians and business moguls alike have watched this race closely, knowing it could significantly impact rulings on crucial issues such as abortion rights and election laws. Reports indicate America PAC has already invested upwards of $13 million into promoting the Republican candidate, former Attorney General Brad Schimel, against Democratic contender Susan Crawford, who has accused Musk of attempting to "buy a seat" on the court to influence upcoming legal challenges involving his businesses.

This initiative is reminiscent of Musk’s earlier efforts during the 2024 election, where he offered a lottery-style giveaway, rewarding petition signers with up to $1 million. Critics of this tactic argue that it undermines the democratic process, branding it a form of voter manipulation and questioning its legality. Despite previous legal challenges, such as a lawsuit that arose from his Pennsylvania campaign, Musk’s cash giveaways have successfully drawn significant attention from the media and potential voters alike.

The petition, which states, “Judges should interpret laws as written, not rewrite them to fit their personal or political agendas," has drawn scrutiny from various groups. An internal memo from the PAC suggests that internal polling has Schimel within striking distance of Crawford, amplifying the urgency of their campaign strategies. This situation underscores Musk's growing influence in the political arena, particularly as he continues to support candidates aligned with his interests. The election will be a critical test of Musk's strategy to reshape state courts in favor of conservative ideologies.

For further details, see the original report from ABC News and HuffPost.