In the heat of the presidential primaries, when every dollar counts, Black Friday deals aren’t just for retailers.
On the biggest shopping weekend of the year, several candidates were looking to capitalize by offering deals in their online stores — where any purchase counts as a campaign contribution.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, emailed his supporters Friday alerting them to “Cyber Monday” deals all weekend long, including free shipping on orders, discounts throughout the store, automatic entry into a contest to travel with him to the next debate and a free sticker with purchase.
Cyber Monday is the term given to the Monday after Thanksgiving, when people return to work and shop online. Participating candidates appeared to be offering their deals for the whole weekend.
Rubio’s Senate colleague, Kentucky Republican Rand Paul, was also offering deals in his online store. Paul tweeted to his followers about the deals, including 20% off a “Christmas mug.”
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s store was also in on the game with his GOP primary opponents, offering 20% store-wide for Thanksgiving weekend with the appropriate discount code “THANKS.”
Early in the afternoon, real estate mogul and Republican front-runner Donald Trump alerted supporters that his store would offer supporter packs of popular items to those who spend $50 or more.
Republican candidate and Ohio Gov. John Kasich also offered Black Friday deals, giving 15% off with the code “FRIDAY.”
Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, a Democratic candidate, wasn’t advertising any deals, but did tweet to his followers on Friday to check out his campaign store if they were shopping.
The Republican National Committee on Friday also emailed supporters with discounts, using the code “GRAVY.” The Democratic National Committee was offering a free sticker with purchases over $35.
