As 2024 GOP Debate Approaches, Candidates Get Innovative with Donor Attraction

The clock is ticking with just six weeks remaining until the initial 2024 Republican presidential debate. Several candidates are employing inventive methods to increase their donor base and secure their spot on the stage.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur, has introduced a system that allows those who fundraise for his campaign to retain 10% of the amount collected from others. Governor of North Dakota, Doug Burgum, is reciprocating campaign donations, even those as low as $1, with $20 Mastercard or Visa gift cards. Meanwhile, businessman Perry Johnson is providing copies of his book for those who contribute to his campaign.

These unique tactics have been deployed to fulfill the Republican National Committee’s rule that debaters must secure funding from at least 40,000 nationwide donors to participate in the August 23 debate in Milwaukee. For lesser-known aspirants compared to ex-President Donald Trump or Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, this is a considerable challenge.

This strategy underscores the crucial role the debate stage plays in offering less prominent candidates within a large pool the chance to gain media attention, spread their message, and connect with voters.

Dan Weiner, a lawyer and director of the Brennan Center for Justice’s Elections and Government Program, has observed an increase in “unorthodox fundraising” methods, with candidates trying innovative tactics, fully aware of the potential for Federal Election Commission (FEC) intervention if legal or ethical issues arise.

Weiner commented, “Frequently, these strategies raise queries about their proximity to legal boundaries. I’m skeptical, though, whether the FEC will act on it.”

Ramaswamy has introduced the “Vivek Kitchen Cabinet” plan, aimed at “democratizing” the fundraising process by enabling fundraisers to retain 10% of the funds they generate for his campaign. As of Tuesday, over 1,000 people have registered for this initiative, according to his campaign.

Wealthy former software entrepreneur and current second-term North Dakota governor, Burgum, has launched a program offering gift cards as a criticism of President Joe Biden’s economic policies to more than 50,000 people, slightly over the required donor threshold.

Campaign spokesperson Lance Trover explained that this scheme permits them to secure a debate stage slot while avoiding additional advertising costs on social media platforms perceived as antagonistic towards conservatives. The campaign anticipates reaching its 50,000-card limit by the weekend’s conclusion.

However, campaign finance attorney Paul S. Ryan suggests that Burgum’s repayment structure seems to clearly contravene campaign finance law, referring to gift card recipients as “straw donors.” Burgum’s campaign maintains that the fundraising mechanism has undergone legal review and approval. The FEC refrained from commenting on the legality of Burgum’s plan on Friday.

Johnson, a wealthy yet largely unfamiliar Michigan businessman, disclosed last month his plan to offer copies of his book, “Two Cents to Save America”, to those donating to his campaign.

Previous campaigns have utilized giveaways and gift cards in both presidential races and other elections. As the 2024 election edges closer and the debate thresholds increase, Weiner anticipates that campaign strategies will continue to evolve and get more inventive.

“The campaigns are just beginning to gain momentum, and such tactics are more frequently witnessed with rising candidates,” Weiner stated. “There should be some flexibility for campaigns to be creative.”

Reach out to Meg Kinnard at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP

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More about 2024 GOP Candidates Fundraising Tactics

• 2024 Presidential Election
• Republican National Committee
• Federal Election Commission
• Brennan Center for Justice’s Elections and Government Program
• Campaign finance law