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The status of two candidates in the August Republican Primary is in limbo after their qualification petitions were declined by the state Republican Party.

After submitting qualifying papers by the deadline, the State Republican Party said both Chad Huntsman and Charles R. Southerland did not qualify to appear on the Republican Primary ballot.

Southerland was one of three attempting to earn the Republican nomination for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 11 seat being vacated by Jeremy Faison. Kenny Cody and Jeff Fancher remain on the ballot.

Huntsman was attempting to challenge long time State Sen. Steve Southerland.

Neither Huntsman nor Southerland are completely out of the race yet. Both have the opportunity to appeal the decision to the state party.

The deadline for the State Republican Party to submit its final qualifiers for the August Primary is Tuesday, March 24.