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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.

This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

Doug Burgum | Twitter ‘People are hurting because of Bidenflation, and giving Biden Economic Relief cards is a way to help 50,000 people until we get in office and fix this crazy economy for everyone!’

Save America Joint Fundraising Committee Donate $1 and Receive a $20 gift card!

SOS America PAC ‘🚨WIN A FREE YEAR OF COLLEGE 😳 Just donate $1.’

Vivek G Ramaswamy | Twitter ‘Today we’re launching the Vivek Kitchen Cabinet: starting today, *anyone* can fundraise for the Vivek 2024 campaign; make a 10% commission.’

Save America Joint Fundraising Committee Contribute $1 and get your $10 gas card!

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Tom Kertscher joined as a Wisconsin Watch fact checker in January 2023 and contributes to our collaboration with the The Gigafact Project to fight misinformation online. Kertscher is a former longtime newspaper reporter, including at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, who has worked as a self-employed journalist since 2019. His gigs include contributing writer for PolitiFact and sports freelancer for The Associated Press.