Susan Crawford campaign reports raising a record $24 million in Supreme Court race

Yahoo! News - Mar 24th, 2025
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Susan Crawford's campaign for the Wisconsin Supreme Court announced a historic fundraising achievement, raising more than $25 million, marking a national record for a judicial race. This includes over $690,000 in in-kind donations from the state Democratic Party, with Crawford significantly outpacing her opponent, Brad Schimel. Crawford's campaign has been bolstered by contributions from notable figures like George Soros, JB Pritzker, and Reid Hoffman, as well as unprecedented grassroots support with nearly 150,000 individual contributions from over 113,000 donors.

The stakes of the election are high, as the ideological balance of the Wisconsin Supreme Court could influence key issues such as abortion, worker rights, and congressional redistricting. The campaign's funding dynamics highlight the impact of large donors and the role of state party funding. Additionally, the involvement of billionaire Elon Musk, through groups spending over $12 million on ads and voter turnout efforts, has galvanized support for Crawford. Her campaign emphasizes the importance of maintaining judicial independence and protecting fundamental rights against external influences like Musk's involvement.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the fundraising dynamics in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, highlighting Susan Crawford's record-breaking achievements and the involvement of high-profile donors. It effectively engages with issues of public interest, such as campaign finance and the influence of money in politics, while maintaining a clear and accessible style. However, the article could benefit from greater balance by including more information about Brad Schimel's campaign and perspectives from independent sources. Additionally, enhanced transparency and depth in exploring the implications of the reported figures would strengthen the overall quality and impact of the reporting. Despite these areas for improvement, the article succeeds in drawing attention to significant developments in the judicial election landscape, offering valuable insights for readers interested in the intersection of politics and justice.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article presents several key claims, notably that Susan Crawford's campaign has raised a record $24 million, which is supported by campaign finance reports. The article accurately reflects the timeline of contributions, highlighting a significant increase from early February, aligning with financial disclosures. However, the article's claim about Elon Musk's involvement through two groups spending over $12 million needs precise verification, as this is a substantial amount and could significantly influence public perception. Additionally, the mention of issues the court is expected to take up, such as abortion and worker rights, should be cross-referenced with the court's docket or reliable forecasts to ensure accuracy.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on Susan Crawford's campaign, providing detailed information about her fundraising achievements and support. While it mentions Brad Schimel's campaign, the coverage is less detailed, lacking specific financial updates or strategic insights. This could lead to a perceived imbalance, favoring Crawford's perspective. The article could benefit from more balanced reporting by including Schimel's campaign strategies, financial details, and reactions to the reported figures. Additionally, the piece could explore broader implications of the fundraising on the election's outcome, offering a more comprehensive view of both candidates' positions.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information that guides the reader through the main points. The language is straightforward, making the content accessible to a broad audience. However, some areas could benefit from additional context or explanation, such as the implications of campaign finance laws on the reported figures and the specific roles of the mentioned donors. Providing more detailed explanations would enhance the clarity and help readers fully grasp the significance of the reported fundraising achievements.

6
Source quality

The article references campaign finance reports and statements from the campaigns, which are credible sources for financial information. However, it lacks direct quotes or data from independent election watchdogs or analysts, which could provide additional authority and context. The reliance on statements from Crawford's campaign without equivalent input from Schimel's camp or independent verification could affect the perceived impartiality of the reporting. Including a broader range of sources, such as political analysts or election experts, would enhance the article's credibility and depth.

5
Transparency

The article provides basic context about the fundraising figures and the upcoming election, but it lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to obtain and verify these figures. It does not disclose potential conflicts of interest or the basis for some claims, such as the influence of Elon Musk's funding. Greater transparency about the sources of information, potential biases, and the implications of campaign finance laws on the reported figures would improve the article's transparency and help readers better understand the complexities involved.

Sources

  1. https://thebadgerproject.org/2025/02/27/updated-top-donors-so-far-to-susan-crawford-liberal-for-wis-supreme-court/
  2. https://www.wispolitics.com/2025/wispolitics-tally-record-59-million-dropped-on-supreme-court-race-so-far/
  3. https://www.wispolitics.com/2025/supreme-court-race-spending-tops-76-million-with-two-weeks-to-go/
  4. https://www.dailycardinal.com/article/2025/03/meet-the-billionaires-buying-influence-in-the-wisconsin-supreme-court-race
  5. https://www.wispolitics.com/2025/crawford-campaign-facing-corrupt-musk-onslaught-crawford-campaign-smashes-national-records-with-historic-24-million-raised/