Senator Mitch McConnell faced his first big challenge in the Kentucky Republican primary Tuesday. He faced a Tea Party-backed conservative who was well financed and critical of him. 

Still, McConnell won with ease over businessman Matt Belvin. With the victory McConnell heads to a general election matchup with Democratic nominee Alison Lundergan Grimes. It is expected to be the most expensive Senate race this year.

Five other states held primaries including Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Pennsylvania and Oregon. Like McConnell's primary battle, the established Republicans fended off the Tea Party challengers in most of these states.

Georgia's Senate primary was for an open seat. David Perdue, a former executive of Dollar General and Jack Kingston, an 11-term House member, will face off in July to fill that seat. The winner will then go against Democratic nominee Michelle Nunn. 

Georgia Democrats preferred that a Tea Party-backed conservative finish ahead of Perdue and Kingston, because they have had success running against those type of candidates in recent years.

he Senate races in Kentucky and Georgia are important for Democrats. The party could keep control of the Senate if they can pick up Republican-held seats, and they believe these are the only two states where they can.

In Oregon's Senate primary, Monica Wehby beat out the more conservatve Jason Conger. Unless 2014 turns out to be a Republican-dominated year, Oregon\'s Senate seat is likely to go to the Democrats.

In Idaho, the Senate primary went to the more moderate candidate. Representative Mike Simpson was able to defeat Bryan Smith thanks to help from Washington-based interest groups.

There\'s no Senate race in Pennsylvania this year but the governor race is being looked at closely. Republican Gov. Tom Corbett\'s job is said to be the most at risk in the country.

McConnell's victory can be thanked to political contributions and spending. McConnell spent $11 million on his campaign to defeat Bevin.