Rubio to step up campaigning in early voting states

Sen. Marco Rubio is vowing to be a more frequent visitor to the early presidential voting states to complement his rise at the polls.

The Florida senator has only visited New Hampshire seven times and Iowa eight times all year, according to the Associated Press. That’s a far cry from many of his other rivals who have looked to turn extended face-time into support in the first two nominating contests. 

{mosads}Rubio told the AP that while his initial focus had been on fundraising, he’ll step up his campaigning in those early states.

“There were obviously other things we needed to do,” he said.

“We need the resources to be able to have staff here and be on the air and do the things a campaign requires. But, we were just here a few days ago. We’re going to be back a lot more.”

Rubio has seen an uptick at the polls in the aftermath of his well-received performance at this month’s CNN GOP debate. Many also see Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wis.) ending his campaign as another boost to Rubio’s candidacy.

Rubio currently sits at fifth in RealClearPolitics’ average of recent national polls, less than one percentage point behind former Gov. Jeb Bush (Fla.) and less than three percentage points behind Carly Fiorina.

Rubio is in the mix in Iowa in fifth place, ahead of Bush, but down to eighth in New Hampshire.