WASHINGTON, D.C. - We're just months into President Obama's 2nd term, and already both parties are turning their focus to 2016. In the production that is the Presidency, this was the first audition. Every year at CPAC, the future of the Republican Party is carved out with new leaders and new ideas. In his keynote address, Texas Senator Ted Cruz laid out some of the top priorities.

"We need to eliminate corporate welfare, we need to build the keystone pipeline, we need to reign in the EPA," says Cruz. "We need to abolish the U.S. Department of Education."

Who will carry the torch? The results of this year's CPAC straw poll gave victory to Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, followed closely by Florida Senator Marco Rubio. Political science professor John Dedie says both men are considered activists of sorts by those looking this time around for a "true believer".

"I think the fact that people identify with both of these men as true conservatives," says Dedie. "It's a lot of the grassroots people who attend conventions like this is very telling and very important."

Also on the list, Dr. Ben Carson, who gained national notoriety for criticizing President Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast just inches away from him.

"If we continue to spend ourselves into oblivion, we are going to destroy our nation," says Dr. Carson.

It seems his support is growing.

"Let's just say you magically put me into the White House," says Dr. Carson.

Party leaders and analysts alike agree major changes are in the works.

"A lot of people in the conservative movement in 2016 would rather nominate someone who is conservative that they know is conservative and lose than settle and win," says Dedie.

An idea that just might take shape as the next round draws near. On the Democratic side, a recent poll showed the 2016 front runners are Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Re-Branding the GOP - Kristine Frazao