Republican contests emerging for state Senate vacancies

Contested races are emerging for two upcoming Republican Party caucuses to fill vacancies in the state Senate.

Cyndi Carrasco, who was the unsuccessful Republican nominee for Marion County prosecutor last year, on Monday entered the party caucus set for Oct. 18 to select a replacement for state Sen. Jack Sandlin following his death last month.

Carrasco submitted candidacy paperwork with the state Senate the same day that the state Republican Party scheduled the caucus of precinct committee...