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Monday, Jul. 31, 2023

Are Republican presidential candidates offering financial incentives to campaign donors in order to qualify for the Milwaukee debate?


yes

At least three Republican presidential candidates have offered financial incentives to supporters in an attempt to qualify for the Milwaukee debate.

The debate, the first for 2024 GOP presidential contenders, is scheduled for Aug. 23, 2023.

To participate, candidates must meet several requirements, including having 40,000 unique donors to their campaign and receiving a minimum amount of support in polls. The candidates must also make several pledges, including to support the eventual Republican nominee.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum offered $20 gift cards to individuals who contribute at least $1 to his campaign and businessman Perry Johnson offered $10 gas cards.

Tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy offered donors a 10% commission on funds they raise for his campaign.

A super PAC supporting a fourth candidate, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, offered the chance to win a year of college tuition to anyone who gives at least $1 to his campaign.

See a full discussion of this at Wisconsin Watch

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