Rep. Graves beats GOP opponent in Ga. primary

RANGER, Ga. (AP) - U.S. Rep. Tom Graves has successfully defended his northwest Georgia seat from a challenger who's a fellow Republican.

Graves of Ranger defeated Ken Herron, a former textile manager from Calhoun, in the GOP primary election Tuesday in the 14th Congressional District. Early returns showed Graves with a sizable lead.

The district covers Georgia's northwest corner including the cities of Rome and Dalton.

Graves is seeking a third term in Congress. After his primary victory Tuesday, he gets a free ride in the fall. No Democrats signed up to run for the seat, which heavily favors Republicans.