WASHINGTON (AP) — A White House official says President Barack Obama has invited Rep. Paul Ryan for lunch at the White House Thursday.

Obama’s lunch date with the Wisconsin Republican follows his Wednesday night dinner with a dozen GOP senators. The president is trying to build support among rank-and-file Republicans for starting talks on a long-term deficit reduction deal.

Ryan, the author of the House GOP budget, previewed a long-term plan this week to erase federal deficits without raising taxes. Obama has insisted that higher taxes be part of any measure.

Ryan was also the GOP’s vice presidential candidate last year.

The official requested anonymity in order to discuss the private lunch.