Candidates clash over abortion and mega-donors in Wisconsin Supreme Court race

In Wisconsin, the 2023 Supreme Court race has attracted national attention as candidates Brad Schimel and Susan Crawford faced off in their only scheduled debate. During this debate, tensions ran high as both candidates attacked each other's affiliations with prominent mega-donors, George Soros and Elon Musk. The stakes are significant, as the outcome of this race will determine the court's ideological balance and influence key issues such as abortion rights and legislative authority. Crawford and Schimel's exchanges highlighted fundamental disagreements over judicial impartiality, political influence, and how their respective pasts could affect their judgment if elected. Crawford, a state judge from Madison and former attorney for Planned Parenthood, called Schimel's support of the outdated 1849 abortion law prejudicial, arguing it lacks the open-mindedness expected from judicial candidates. Schimel, in turn, defended his stance by stating that the law is valid as it was enacted by the legislature, despite Crawford's insistence that it does not reflect current public sentiment. The debate underscored the ongoing national conversation about abortion rights, especially following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. The race has drawn significant funding from both candidates' supporters, with thousands of dollars contributed by Soros to Democratic causes and over $8 million in contributions aligned with Musk's efforts to support Schimel. Both candidates used this debate platform to not only present their judicial philosophies but also to clarify their positions regarding future cases that may come before the court. Schimel criticized Crawford for accepting donations from Soros, claiming his influence is detrimental, while Crawford raised concerns about Musk's impacts on employment and local business decisions. As the election date approaches, the implications of this judicial race underscore how external influences can shake up local politics in Wisconsin. The looming questions regarding abortion rights, political affiliations, and the potential future direction of the court may stir voters' emotions leading up to the election. With Justice Ann Walsh Bradley's retirement prompting this election, the future of numerous significant issues within Wisconsin, including congressional maps and union rights, is hanging in the balance, ensuring that this race remains at the forefront of political discussions nationwide.