David Steinglass, a wealthy donor, has supported scores of Democrats running for office and calls himself an activist for transgender rights. So his donation earlier this year to a far-right candidate in Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate race seemed wildly out of character.

David Steinglass, a wealthy donor, has supported scores of Democrats running for office and calls himself an activist for transgender rights.

So his donation earlier this year to a far-right candidate in Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate race seemed wildly out of character. He gave the maximum $3,300 to help get a man on the ballot who had these items in his background: He was investigated in the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, he is a gun rights activist and he has called for banning some gender-affirming treatments for minors.

Far from an anomaly, the donation is part of a larger design. Steinglass’ contribution to “America First” candidate Thomas Leager, and thousands more he and his wife gave to other far-right independents in key congressional races, is supporting a plan to boost Democrats and siphon votes from Republicans, an Associated Press examination found.

As the election cycle enters an urgent, final five weeks, both Democrats and Republicans are engaging in questionable tactics that threaten to subvert the democratic process by trying to shape the ballot through deceptive means.

  • AnarchoSnowPlow@midwest.social
    36·
    3 months ago

    Not only does this bullshit backfire spectacularly sometimes resulting in our current political climate. It also results in the “not frothing at the mouth” style of reactionaries to flee to the only other viable alternative, dragging the Overton window further right.

    At best this asshole is a moron, accidentally damaging the people he thinks he’s trying to help. At worst this asshole is an asshole who’s fine with dragging the country further into a right-wing shit hole because his team wins now and he gets his treats no matter what.

    • Samvega@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      10·
      3 months ago

      …dragging the Overton window further right.

      I’m sure rich people giggle in glee at having two right-wing parties as the only possible options that will both promise to cut taxes for businesses and force poor people into wage slavery.