It's Officially Official: Ted Cruz Set to Kick Off His Re-election Campaign

WASHINGTON -- After easily winning his primary and releasing a jingle needling his opponent, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is making it official and kicking off his re-election campaign.The Republican powerhouse -- who will face Democratic Rep. Beto O'Rourke in November -- is launching his general re-election bid a week from Monday in Stafford, Texas, outside of Houston, according to an online invitation. The Houston Chronicle reports the event will be held at the Redneck Country Club.He's also expected hold campaign events in the Dallas area next week, according to a spokeswoman, though the dates haven't been announced.Cruz is likely preparing to step up his fundraising efforts. Though Cruz is heavily favored to win in November, O’Rourke, of El Paso, has repeatedly outraised the incumbent since announcing his Senate candidacy last March, and has received national attention for a grassroots campaign that Democrats hope will increase the odds of a blue wave this fall.  Continue reading...