Voting is underway for primary elections across Virginia.
There are 18 contested legislative elections Tuesday. The closest watched is GOP House Speaker William J. Howell's run for re-election.
Howell is facing off against Susan Stimpson. The tea party favorite is a former political protégé of Howell's who says the speaker has become too cozy with special interests.
Howell has a large financial advantage over Stimpson, but she's received help from outside anti-tax and pro-gun groups that have attacked the speaker.
There's also keen interest in a handful of Senate primaries, including a four-way GOP battle in Henrico County for retiring Sen. Walter Stosch's seat.
Polls close at 7 p.m. Voters can find their polling locations at elections.virginia.gov.
Voting Underway in Virginia Primary Elections
Copyright AP - Associated Press