JOHN HANNA, AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts’ re-election campaign in Kansas is being overhauled as his race becomes an unexpected battleground in the fight for control of the Senate.

A person familiar with the Roberts campaign said Friday that longtime aide Leroy Towns stepped down Thursday as Roberts’ executive campaign manager. The source said the campaign is expanding and has hired a member of Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo’s campaign staff to run grassroots operations.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the source was not authorized to discuss the changes publicly.

Also, the National Republican Senatorial Committee moved to help Roberts, sending in a seasoned consultant, Chris LaCivita.

Kansas was seen as a safe GOP state, but the three-term incumbent looked vulnerable after a tough primary fight.