While promising to keep an eye on the main battleground states, the Clinton campaign is beginning to invest in areas that could both expand the electoral map and tip the balance toward Democrats in down-ballot races.
On a call with reporters Monday, Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook mentioned Arizona in particular when given the opportunity to name states of interest outside the main battlegrounds.
“We do see opportunity in Arizona," he said, even as he emphasized that reaching 270 electoral votes was their chief concern. The campaign plans to pump $6 million into Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, Nevada, North Carolina, Iowa, and New Hampshire—all of which feature critical down-ballot races.
Mook said the campaign would be dropping an additional $2 million in Arizona. First Lady Michelle Obama is also being deployed to campaign there on Thursday.
In addition, Mook noted the campaign was investing $1 million in Indiana and Missouri, where he acknowledged Clinton's chances of prevailing were slim, suggesting the chief goal there is influencing down-ballot races.
North Carolina remains on the “front lines” of this campaign, he added, saying they “expect to win” the Tar Heel State but by a “razor-thin” margin.
Do you live in a state that will determine the presidential race and/or who controls the Senate? Get involved this weekend in crucial door-to-door canvasses and phone banks.