Beto O'Rourke is plotting a political comeback after lagging behind in polls ahead of June's first Democratic presidential debate, the AP reports.
The big picture: O'Rourke's polling numbers are declining nationally, and they look even worse in the early caucus states, CNN reports. He plans to step up his national media appearances, but aides insist he will still dedicate time to those "off-the-beaten path" stomping grounds — often rural or primarily Republican — that became hallmarks of his Senate campaign.
Behind the scenes: O'Rourke's team also acknowledged to the AP that his campaign launch was a little chaotic. It took the former Texas representative 2 weeks after launching to formally hire his campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon.