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Republican Leadership Rift Developing In Arkansas Senate

Incoming state Senate President Jonathan Dismang is facing a challenge from a fellow Republican lawmaker who's mounting a late effort to lead the chamber next year. Republican Sen. Gary Stubblefield of Branch said Friday he is challenging Dismang's election as the head of the 35-member chamber for next year's session.

Dismang, a Republican from Beebe, was elected last year to be the Senate president for the 90th General Assembly. Stubblefield said he plans to ask the Republican caucus to back his bid for Senate president when it meets on Thursday.

The race signals a new rift for Republicans, who expanded their majorities in the state Legislature in Tuesday's midterm election. Republicans will hold 24 of the 35 seats in the state Senate next year.

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