Right-Wing Group Uses Emily Ratajkowski’s Photos to Attract Voters

Election Turnout Strategy Sparks Controversy in Wisconsin

In the lead-up to Wisconsin’s crucial election, the political advocacy group Look Ahead America took an unorthodox approach to encourage voter turnout. On the eve of the election, the organization sent out approximately 250,000 text messages to residents, reminding them of the significant issues at stake while adding a dash of provocative imagery intended to grab attention.

The messages featured tailored images based on the gender of the recipient. Men received a photo of supermodel Emily Ratajkowski, known for her support of Bernie Sanders, posing in a bikini. Conversely, women were sent an image of a shirtless man holding a puppy, taken from the yearly "Hunks and Hounds" calendar aimed at raising funds for Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue. This unusual tactic aimed to create a moment of pause and curiosity before delivering the critical reminder that a special election was happening the next day.

“Now that we have your attention,” the text read, generating discussion about the boundaries of political engagement strategies. In this election, Wisconsin voters ultimately approved an amendment to the state constitution that mandated photo identification at polling places — a move that Look Ahead America backed. They also witnessed the election of a liberal candidate to a key post on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which Holds significant implications for the state’s political landscape.

Matt Braynard, executive director of Look Ahead America, defended the use of eye-catching images in their outreach efforts, suggesting that studies have shown such visuals can enhance voter awareness and participation. However, Braynard mentioned that the effectiveness of their unique campaign would take time to assess, looking forward to total participation figures in the subsequent weeks.

Founded in 2017, Look Ahead America positions itself as a nonpartisan organization, despite focusing on predominantly conservative causes. The group aims to empower and amplify the voices of rural, blue-collar Americans who feel disenfranchised from mainstream political discussions. Its founder, Braynard, has ties to former President Trump’s campaign team, further complicating the organization’s claimed nonpartisan stance.

The choice to use Ratajkowski’s image was particularly contentious due to her known affiliations with more liberal causes, raising eyebrows about the intended audience and the implications of her image being leveraged for political messaging. Ratajkowski did not comment on the use of her image, but the photographer Mike Ruiz expressed discontent regarding the exploitation of his work for what he called “propaganda.” In an email, Ruiz stated: “I am disgusted that they used a beautiful philanthropic project to save animals in dire need, a project which means so much to me, to spread their propaganda.”

Braynard stood firm on the group’s right to use the images without obtaining permissions, claiming that the images were publicly shared on social media and that their nonprofit’s encouragement of voter turnout qualified as “fair use.” The argument posed a question about ethical practices in political campaigning and the line between public engagement and manipulation.

Despite not explicitly endorsing the conservative candidate Judge Brad Schimel in their text message campaign, Look Ahead America’s communications linked to comparative charts detailing the policy differences between Schimel and his liberal opponent, Judge Susan Crawford, addressing divisive topics like immigration, gender identity, and abortion. The stakes were high, especially considering the large financial backing Schimel received from tech magnate Elon Musk, who reportedly funneled $25 million into his campaign.

While Look Ahead America’s unconventional tactic drew attention, the election results showcased a shift in voter sentiment, with Judge Susan Crawford emerging victorious against Judge Schimel. This outcome also reflected broader trends within the Wisconsin electorate and the growing influence of liberal values in a traditionally swing state.

Ratajkowski did not comment publicly on the election outcome, but her previous remarks regarding Elon Musk’s political influence certainly resonated within the context of the election. In an earlier social media exchange, she expressed support for those opposing Musk’s participation in politics, which included a notable endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris by rapper Azealia Banks.

In conclusion, the election turned out to be significant beyond its immediate implications; it highlighted the evolving landscape of political engagement, particularly in how organizations choose to stimulate voter participation. As Look Ahead America embarks on analyzing the effectiveness of its strategies, the juxtaposition of imagery, messaging, and ethical considerations remains a topical conversation in the broader electoral discourse.