TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ Conservatives hoping to make inroads in the Republican primary toward reclaiming control of the State Board of Education were leading in half the contested races Tuesday night.

Conservative Kathy Martin, of Clay Center, had 52 percent of the vote in the 6th District against moderate Bill Pannbacker, with 93 percent of precincts reporting.

With all percents reporting in the 2nd District, Mary Ralstin, of Shawnee, had 54 percent over conservative Brandon Kenig, of Shawnee.

In the 4th District, with 85 percent reporting, conservative Bob Meissner of Topeka, had 76 percent against Alan Detrich, of Lawrence.

In the 10th District, with 77 percent reporting, David Dennis of Wichita, had 54 percent over conservative Marty Marshall of Wichita, who wasn't campaigning.

In the 8th District, conservative Dennis Hedke, of Wichita, had no primary opposition. Like the other GOP finishers, he faces a Democrat in November.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)