WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama and Senate Democrats are meeting in what the White House bills as more of an informal get-together than serious policy discussion.

But with elections that will determine whether Democrats stay in control of the Senate quickly approaching, issues that could play a role in the eventual outcome — such as whether Obama gives the go-ahead for military strikes in Iraq — are unlikely to be avoided.

Every member of the Senate Democratic caucus was invited. The White House declined to say which senators attended the meeting.

Spokesman Josh Earnest says there are no immediate plans for the White House to extend a similar invitation to Senate Republicans.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.