THE BADGER STATE COULD DELIVER A BIG BLOW TO MUSK AND TRUMP

Wisconsin voters have a chance for a political two strike Tuesday: lift the spirits of depressed Democrats and deal a blow to the unchecked arrogance of Elon Musk.
Spending on the election for a state Supreme Court seat is expected to reach $100 million, the most expensive judicial election in American history. The scope and stakes have been elevated by the active involvement in this contest of Musk, the President's government efficiency czar, the most powerful figure in the new Administration. He is trying to demonstrate to Republicans everywhere that with his unlimited resources he's a kingmaker.
The contest for a ten year term between two county judges, Susan Crawford, a progressive Democrat, and Brad Schmiel, a conservative Republican, has major implications for Badger State citizens. The current court has a 3-3 ideological divide and big issues from abortion to voting rights to gerrymandering will likely be decided by the outcome.
The national stakes are humongous, politically and psychologically. Trump and the Republicans have dominated Washington and politics since generally ever since the November election. Democrats desperately need a victory in what has become a highly visible race. A defeat would further fuel the party's tailspin.
On the other side, a victory not only would continue the GOP momentum but demonstrate to Republicans in Congress and elsewhere. that the world's richest man can deliver for them electorally.
A defeat, most likely, would underscore the slipping public support for Trump's radical agenda, and Elon Musk's assault on federal programs that are the lifeblood of many communities and save lives; he is fond of trashing Social Security for example,
Together with a much closer than expected special House race to fill the vacancy of national security adviser Michael Waltz would change the narrative that Trump and his attack dogs are riding high politically.
In Wisconsin the messages have a national overtone. Musk is focused on crime, immigration and delivering a message of support for President Trump's agenda. Even most of the Democrats' attacks on Schmiel tie him to Musk,
There couldn't be a more fitting venue for an early referendum on the Trump-Musk effort to blow up much of the government. It is the purplest of purple states, barely going with Trump in his winning elections and barely against him in 2020. Out of a combined almost 10 million votes cast in those three elections, the net vote difference was about 30,000 votes.
The outcome, as often is the case in battleground Wisconsin hinges on turnout, which side is more energized. Two months ago that was a real concern for Democrats still in a deep funk over Joe Biden and losing the Presidential election.
A combination of the Trump-Musk slash and burn policies and the visible presence of the world's richest man deeply involved in a state judicial contest seems to have given Democrats a new lease, Ron Johnson, the state's right wing Senator, says a GOP victory next week will be due to Musk. Bring that on, say Democrats. as early voting encourages then,
Musk could have come in under the radar funneling money to others or trying fund dark money. . But he has been vocable and visible. By election day he will spend more than $20 million on a state Supreme Court contest. .
Crawford has outraised her opponent but, with Musk, the Republicans have an overall money advantage.
But the eccentric billionaire and Trump right hand man - some say co-President -- brings baggage. In a recent national poll his negatives were plus 19 points, reportedly reflected in Wisconsin too. His national initiatives are front and center in the Democrats' attacks.
One top ad goes: "Attacking Social Security. Cutting Medicaid and Child cancer research. Dismantling the Department of Education . Elon Musk is out of control. And now the power hungry billionaire is unloading millions to buy the Wisconsin State Supreme Court."
The linkage may be tenuous but effective.
Another element in his message is his election will send a message of support for Donald Trump's age. The President has endorsed Schimel and Republicans say they're going all out. But the President hasn't committed to campaign for him.
If Crawford wins, as I suspect she will -- based on reporting from 800 miles away -- Trump has the perfect explanation: It was all Elon.