He spent one week over the summer living as a homeless person to bring attention to poverty. He visited an African American church frequented by Democratic politicians to speak with congregants. He marched in a gay pride parade. 

These may not be on the bucket list for many Republican candidates, but Kashkari is running for governor in California. And he's trying to change perceptions about his party -- and about him -- as he mounts an uphill battle to unseat Democratic incumbent Jerry Brown this fall. 

Montana Democratic Sen. John Walsh is dropping out of his Senate race after being dogged by allegations of plagiarism, potentially boosting Republicans' chances of picking up the seat in November. 

The senator made the announcement late Thursday in a message to supporters. Walsh said the plagiarism issue has become a "distraction" from the issues.