Republican Party

2_3_2015_ap6442481587228201.jpg

White House Press secretary Josh Earnest said the GOP hasn't yet come to the table yet to discuss Social Security reform with President Obama. (Associated Press)

Obama .JPEG-0d2da.jpg

Though the president's budget proposal was met with widespread criticism by GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill Monday, cybersecurity is likely going to be one area where both parties find common ground. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais )

677aa2b9d761b7046c0f6a7067005f91.jpg

Former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss., on Jan. 28, 2015. (Associated Press) **FILE**

1_292015_b3-lambro8201.jpg

Illustration on contenders for the GOP nomination for president by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

64dc4f36ae84a1046c0f6a706700bef0.jpg

Former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss., in this Jan. 28, 2015, file photo. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) ** FILE **

Obamacare.jpg

The administration asked the federal court late Monday to dismiss the House lawsuit against President Obama, saying he is faithfully carrying out his health law and the GOP lawmakers who filed the legal challenge have no right to sue. (Associated Press)

AP900329456576.jpg

Even Mitt Romney has moved to distance himself from his notorious "47 percent" remarks as he prepares for a third run at the White House, saying that the GOP needs to find ways to connect with middle class families that are struggling to make ends meet. (Associated Press)

Romney.jpg

Even Mitt Romney has moved to distance himself from his notorious "47 percent" remarks as he prepares for a third run at the White House, saying that the GOP needs to find ways to connect with middle class families that are struggling to make ends meet. (Associated Press)

BoehnerMcConnell.jpg

The conservative core of the Republican Party has long been leery of John Boehner and Mitch McConnell, who are viewed derisively as establishment stalwarts. (Associated Press)

1_222015_beltway-scott-walke-28201.jpg

Wisconsin Republican Governor Scott Walker is one of 23 potential GOP presidential hopefuls heading to the Iowa Freedom Summit in Des Moines on Saturday to test their messages. (Associated Press)

1_222015_ap894998765652-28201.jpg

Immigration advocates say the GOP must keep Iowa Rep. Steve King's anti-amnesty policies at bay to win in 2016. (Associated Press)

1_202015_gop-response-ernst-28201.jpg

Sen. Joni Ernst, a freshman Iowa Republican, delivered the GOP's official response to President Obama's address. (Associated Press)

afef4913933558026b0f6a706700165f.jpg

House Speaker John Boehner, left, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell meet with the press at the GOP retreat at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pa., Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. (AP Photo/PennLive.com, Mark Pynes ) ** FILE **

1_152015_ap2340046437378201.jpg

So far, the GOP does not have much enthusiasm for a possible third run for the White House by former presidential candidate Mitt Romney. (Associated Press)

bennie.jpg

Rep. Bennie Thompson, Mississippi Democrat, reminded the GOP that funding the Department of Homeland Security is crucial in the wake of last week's Paris shootings. (Associated Press)

1_112015_ap9945652438528201.jpg

Former Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney met with donors Friday, which was seen as a signal that he's ready to compete for the big donors and the key fundraisers who power the establishment wing of the GOP. (Associated Press)

1_8_2015_ap5485694857268201.jpg

In a recent poll of likely 2016 Republican presidential candidates, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush ranked well ahead of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney. (associated press)

12282014_ap7265336409158201.jpg

GOP political operative Phil Cox, who helped former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell get elected, has called Gov. Chris Christie the party's "best communicator." (Associated Press)