3 primaries pit party preferences against upstarts

[May 04, 2010]  INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Open Senate seats in Indiana and Ohio and the Democratic race for a challenger to North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr top Tuesday primaries that could signal voters' frustration with the Washington establishment.

Former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats hopes to win the Republican nomination for his old seat but faces four challengers, including former Rep. John Hostettler and state Sen. Marlin Stutzman.

Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner are battling for the Democratic nomination to fill the Senate seat of retiring Republican George Voinovich.

The winner will face George W. Bush's former budget director, Rep. Rob Portman.

North Carolina Democrats will choose a challenger to face Burr, who's seeking his second Senate term.

[Associated Press; By TOM DAVIES]

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