WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans' struggles to redefine their party are intensifying, as tea party insurgents and establishment Republicans vie to control congressional primaries, and GOP leaders try to expand their focus beyond the deficit.

Grassroots conservatives are condemning a new bid by wealthy donors to vet future Senate and House nominees. The donors say they want to weed out weak and gaffe-prone candidates. But tea party activists fear the real target is uncompromising conservatives.

All sides agree on one thing: their frustration and soul-searching are driven by recent losses of several Senate seats, and a presidential race that once seemed winnable.