2 Indiana Senate leaders face challengers for primary bid

While primary elections haven't been much of a problem for them before, two top Indiana Senate leaders face challenges in May 3 contest for the Republican nominations.

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State Senate District 16, Republican Primary

Candidates: Sen. David Long and John Kessler

Location: Most of suburban Allen County west of Fort Wayne, portions of Whitley County.

Significance: Long was first elected to the Senate in 1996 and has held the top leadership position of president pro tem for 10 years.

Issues: Kessler emerged as a tea party-backed challenger after Long said he would allow a debate over expanding civil rights protections for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Kessler, a college economics professor, opposes such protections and has touted an anti-incumbency stance.

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State Senate District 20, Republican Primary

Candidates: Sen. Luke Kenley and Scott Willis

Location: Much of Hamilton County, including all or parts of Noblesville, Carmel and Westfield.

Significance: Kenley is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which handles all spending-related matters moving through the Legislature.

Issues: Willis, a Westfield engineer, has targeted Kenley over the state's road and school funding plans approved in the past two years, saying the district's fast-growing suburban areas have been neglected. Kenley says he's worked to help communities statewide.