State Journal

As Indiana Republicans gear up for their summer state convention, many had hoped to enjoy the favorable political climate they have experienced in a year with little controversy.

But a challenge to incumbent Suellen Reed for the party's nomination for the state's top education post may inject a discordant note. Defying the party's leadership, Rep. David Lohr, a freshman lawmaker from Terre Haute, has announced his candidacy for the state superintendent's post.

Rep. Lohr is one of four Republican freshmen who brought suit against the Indiana Department of Education last year over a new statewide achievement test that includes essays....