What are the odds...

Summary

Elon Musk gave away two $1 million checks in Wisconsin ahead of a key state Supreme Court election, prompting backlash after one winner was revealed as Nicholas Jacobs, chair of the Wisconsin College Republicans.

Critics called the giveaway “rigged,” fueling suspicion about Musk’s political motives.

Though Musk claimed the money wasn’t tied to voting, his deleted post initially suggested it rewarded voters. Wisconsin law bans vote-motivating payments.

Musk has invested nearly $20 million to support conservative candidate Brad Schimel.

  • NigahigaYT@lemmy.worldEnglish
    74·
    2 days ago

    Wasn’t this always known? Musk’s defense when he was sued for this in the 24 pres election was that it specifically wasn’t a lottery system and that the winner isn’t random but is vetted and picked before announcement, which is evidently legal.

    E: Source

    Quote:

    In court Monday, Musk’s lawyers acknowledged that the super PAC isn’t picking winners “by chance.”

    “There is no prize to be won,” Musk lawyer Chris Gober said, and the winners “are not chosen by chance.” Therefore, it is not a lottery, Gober argued.

    Instead, Gober said the so-called “prize” is actually compensation for serving as a spokesperson for the super PAC – and the recipients of the $1 million “are selected based on their suitability to serve as spokesperson for America PAC.” They “earn” the million dollars as payment for their work.

    • makyo@lemmy.worldEnglish
      32·
      2 days ago

      I feel like implying it’s a lottery that you can win should still be seriously punished but then I remember which reality we’re in and that nothing matters if you’re rich