2024 contest comes into view with hurdles for both parties

By STEVE PEOPLES
AP National Political Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Republicans and Democrats are being forced to confront critical questions about the people and policies they want to represent them as the next election season roars into view. For Democrats, much depends upon Joe Biden and whether the president will follow through on his plan to seek reelection. Republicans face contentious leadership battles inside their new House majority and at the Republican National Committee. But former President Donald Trump will be central in virtually every conversation as the GOP enters what will likely be a nasty and crowded presidential primary that begins in earnest this spring.