A key Republican legislative leader was in a fight for his central Georgia Senate seat and another faces a runoff after failing to distance himself in a crowded field.

With 99 percent of the precincts reporting in state Senate District 18, unofficial returns early Wednesday showed Republican Majority Whip Cecil Staton of Macon with 50.5 percent of the vote. Thomaston physician Spencer Price had 49.5 percent.

The difference, which does not include outstanding absentee and provisional ballots, was 207 votes.

Staton has been central to GOP infighting in the upper chamber, helping to diminish Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle's control over Senate affairs.

In Senate District 31, Dallas businessman Bill Carruth has forced Finance Chairman Bill Heath of Bremen into an Aug. 21 runoff in the GOP primary race.

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Tags: 2012 elections, District 18, Primary Races