Doug Burgum is offering $20 to people donating $1 to his campaign. Is that legal?

Republican presidential contender Doug Burgum, who's governor of North Dakota, is offering to send people $20 gift cards if they donate as little as $1 to his campaign. He's seen here last month speaking in Ankeny, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Looking to make a splash in the crowded pool of Republican presidential contenders, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is offering an unusual deal to donors: Anyone who sends a donation of at least $1 will get a $20 gift card in return.

The campaign's offer is good for the first 50,000 donors — and is an unconventional bid to meet the fundraising thresholds required to be onstage for next month's Republican primary debate.