As G.O.P. Governors Gather, Prescriptions for 2016

Monica Almeida/The New York Times

Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey spoke with Ari Fleischer, a former White House press secretary for President George W. Bush, at the Republican governors convention in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

LAS VEGAS The polite praise initially showered upon Mitt Romney for having waged a good fight against President Obama has given way to a plea from some Republicans: Please stop talking.

A week after the election, as Republicans examine how to recalibrate and regain their footing, Mr. Romneys suggestion that he lost the race because of the gifts that Mr. Obama gave to black, Latino and young voters did not sit well with some party leaders gathered here for a meeting of the Republican Governors Association.

Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana grew visibly agitated when asked about the comments that Mr. Romney made during a conference call with donors on Wednesday. Mr. Jindal said the partys future depended on expunging the mind-set that Republicans are not committed to policies that benefit every American who wants to pursue the American dream period.

If we learn one thing from this campaign, we had better learn as a party that weve got to go after every single vote, Mr. Jindal said in an interview. We need to say that, and we need to believe that.

As Republicans lament losing the race for the White House and failing to capitalize on a chance to take control of the Senate, the party is moving forward without a clear national leader. But Republicans have a deep reservoir of strength in their roster of 30 governors, several of whom are planting seeds for a potential presidential bid.

It is far too early for a shortlist of prospective candidates in the 2016 campaign the election, after all, is 1,454 days away but the early aspirations were on display here. The hallways of the Encore, a resort on the Strip, were filled with nearly as much chatter about the next presidential race as the last one.

Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey held court with admirers as he took his first out-of-state trip since Hurricane Sandy eviscerated his state last month. He brushed aside questions from reporters, but his presence here underscored his eagerness to move beyond any bitterness among Republicans over his effusive praise of Mr. Obama in the days before the election.

Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, who has emerged as a leading symbol of Republican strength after fending off a recall attempt this year, was given a prominent speaking slot here. He urged his party to adopt a new tone, saying, Theres got to be a positive reason to support Republicans.

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As G.O.P. Governors Gather, Prescriptions for 2016