As we have written, the majority of Republican strategists we have talked to in the past week have made very clear that the party should focus on the IRS (and, to a lesser extent, the AP phone records story) and not on Benghazi due to the fact that it has already become totally politicized.

And, any talk of impeachment – regardless of the motivation — is a political misstep, according to GOP pollster Glen Bolger. ”The area we have to avoid is to not use the ‘I’ word – impeachment,” said Bolger. “It is far too early for that, and talking about impeachment now means you are not serious about the issue — you are just trying to score political points.”

Bolger’s advice? Use the IRS and AP stories to make a broader point about the differing views the party have of the role of government. “AP and IRS are what happens when you elect people who worship at the altar of unfettered government,” explained Bolger. “Big, powerful government is not the answer.”

Another Republican consultant, granted anonymity to speak candidly, added that his party has to double track — investigating wrongdoing while also pushing their own positive agenda.