ATLANTA (AP) — The police shooting and death of Michael Brown has gripped the nation, but many potential presidential candidates in 2016 are taking a cautious approach to the clashes between protesters and police in suburban St. Louis.

For those who want to lead the nation, there's little to gain in an election year by taking a stand or proposing new policy.

Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, Mitt Romney's running mate in 2012, says policy makers should wait and be respectful of the community and Brown's family. Democrats like Hillary Rodham Clinton and Joe Biden have not yet addressed the case publicly, which erupted while both were on vacation.

The exception has been Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who says the shooting and protests show the need to demilitarize police departments.