By ERIK SCHELZIG
Associated Press
NASHVILLE (AP) - Two dozen Republican incumbents face challengers in legislative primaries, but party leaders say those bids signal enthusiasm - not dissatisfaction - with the way the GOP has run the Statehouse.
Among the highest-profile challenges is retired Lt Col. Courtney Rogers' bid against House Republican Caucus Chairwoman Debra Maggart of Hendersonville.
Rogers has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association still outraged that Maggart didn't push through legislation to allow workers to store guns in vehicles parked at work.
Gov. Bill Haslam and Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey are among the prominent Republicans campaigning and raising money for Maggart, arguing that she has been unfairly targeted by the NRA.
Freshman Sen. Doug Overbey of Maryville is expected to face the strongest of three GOP challenges in the Senate.
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