WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican National Committee is launching an independent inquiry into what worked in 2012's elections — and, perhaps more importantly, what did not.

RNC chairman Reince Priebus (ryns PREE'-bus) on Monday rolled out his effort, called the Growth and Opportunity Project, to look at how GOP nominee Mitt Romney came up short against President Barack Obama and what steps the party can take going forward. Priebus is asking five party leaders to talk with RNC members, activists and donors about how to solve the GOP's problems.

Republicans had the biggest midterm gain in 2010's elections since 1938 but two years later fell short in claiming the White House.