Stephen Colbert launches counter-contest after Jeb Bush's ticket giveaway fundraiser - Action News
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Stephen Colbert launches counter-contest after Jeb Bush's ticket giveaway fundraiser

New The Late Show host Stephen Colbert is not too happy with his inaugural episode guest Jeb Bush after the U.S. Republican presidential hopeful launched a fundraising contest giving away VIP tickets to his show appearance.

Stephen Colbert launches Jeb Bush on the Stephen Colbert Late Show Raffle!

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will debut on Sept. 8 with guests George Clooney and Jeb Bush. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

NewThe Late Showhost Stephen Colbert is not too happy with his inaugural episode guest, U.S. Republican presidential hopeful Jeb Bush.

Bush is scheduled to appear on Colbert's first show on Sept. 8 along with actor George Clooney.

Bush, who is hoping to secure the Republican nomination for the upcoming U.S. presidential race, jumped on the opportunity to turn the interview into a fundraising opportunity for his campaign.

In late August, Bush announced a contest, giving people the chance to win VIP tickets to the taping and dinner with his campaign's national finance co-chair Woody Johnson. While it is possible to enter the contest for free, a $3 US donation was the recommended entry cost.

Colbert did not take kindly to Bush trying to capitalize on his show appearance.

The comedian posted a video response to Bush's contest, taking a few jabs at Bush and launching a counter-contest.

In the video, Colbert explains Bush's contest.

"All you have to do is chip in $3 or more right now to enter," he reads from correspondence Bush's campaign reportedly sent to supporters.

"And if you can't afford $3, you're probably not voting for Jeb Bush," he quips.

Still, he says he thinks "the contest is a great idea."

His only problem?

"No one from Jeb's campaign asked me if this was okay with me to raise money off of my first show," Colbert says. "Where's my cut of that sweet three bucks governor?"

His solution?

Colbert announced the Jeb Bush on the Stephen Colbert Late ShowRaffle!that viewers can enter to also win a ticket to the show's premiere and submit one non-obscene question that Colbert will put to the presidential hopeful.

"For example, one question might be: 'Don't you wish you'd consulted Stephen before launching your contest?'" Colbert suggests. There's also the chance winners will be treated to a dinner with lead production accountant, Jason Block.

Colbert's contest also comes with a fee $3 for 30 chances to win, $33 for 330 chances, $66 for 660 chances and the packages continue up until $999 for 9,990 chances. All funds raised will be donated to The Yellow Ribbon Fund, which helps support injured service members and their families, Colbert said.

Bush took Colbert's criticism in stride andposted a short video to Twitter in response.

He acted surprised to learn thatColbert is the show's host and not comedian Amy Schumer.

"But since it's you, we're lowering our contest fee to $1," Bush says.

He also pledged to enter Colbert's contest with a donation to The Yellow Ribbon Fund and asked his supporters to donate to the organization as well.