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Challenges from the Republican right fail to unseat Tennessee incumbents

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  Two mid-state congressional incumbent Republicans have successfully fended off primary challenges from their political right.

Scandal plagued 4th district Rep. Scott DesJarlais defeated ultra-conservative challenger Grant Starret, winning by about a nine percent margin or some 4,000 votes.

DesJarlais, a South Pittsburg Physician, will now go on to face Democrat Steven Reynolds of Murfreesboro in November.

Sixth Congressional District incumbent Diane Black trounced Republican primary challenger Joe Carr. Black won by more than 16,000 votes or a nearly 53 percent margin.

Carr, a former state legislator and Tea Party favorite, has now lost two national elections in a row, having unsuccessfully challenged Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander in 2014.

Black, a nurse and former State Senator, will face Democrat David Kent in the fall.