First came the announcement: Sen. Ted Cruz launched his Presidential run on Monday in front of the student body of Liberty University.
Then it was time to make some money. Cruz had a big online push and headed to New York for a couple of days of fundraising.
Now it's time for him to meet the people as an official Presidential candidate.
He'll kick off that part of his campaign today with two events in New Hampshire. This isn't his first trip to New Hampshire – he's actually made dozens of trips to the early primary states as an "unofficial" candidate.
So what's different this time?
He's actually asking for votes and financial contributions. And unlike other trips, when he was one of several "unofficial" candidates, Cruz hits town this time as the only declared one. So he could see larger crowds and additional media attention as a result.
First stop: Merrimack
The first stop for Cruz is a VFW post in Merrimack, where he'll likely play up his views on foreign policy. Cruz is quick to criticize President Obama on everything from Afghanistan to Israel.
We'll probably get his views on gun rights and the 2nd Amendment as well – not only because he's talking to veterans, but also because the post is located right beside a gun shop.
On to Nashua
Tonight, Cruz will take another stab at getting support from the younger generation: He's one of several speakers at the Young America's Foundation New England conference in Nashua. Cruz has been criticized by some for taking political stances that put him at odds with the younger generation. He often fires back, as he did in an interview this week with the Texas Tribune, that freedom and a strong economy have universal appeal.
Last stop: Meeting with Republican groups
Cruz makes one final public stop in New Hampshire Saturday, when he speaks to a Republican Committee and Republican Women's group.
KUT will have reaction to Cruz's New Hampshire trip this afternoon during All Things Considered, and over the weekend on KUT.org.
