3. Brazilian Election Scandal Shakes Supreme Court - MARY ANASTASIA O'GRADY 091726

1941 BRAZIL
Brazilian Election Scandal Shakes Supreme Court
Mary Anastasia O'Grady reports Brazil's presidential campaign between incumbent Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro has tightened significantly amidst mounting financial and judicial scandals. Flavio Bolsonaro initially suffered in polling after soliciting movie funding from jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro of collapsed Banco Master. However, police investigations revealed text messages from Vorcaro seeking advice from Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, whose wife received a $25 million contract with Banco Master. Moraes previously led efforts to vacate Lula's conviction and silence political opponents. Exposure of judicial influence peddling leaves conflicted voters facing a critical October runoff. (3)