NASHVILLE (AP) — A special panel of members of the state Republican Party's executive committee is meeting behind closed doors to consider an election challenge in a legislative primary race.

The six-member subcommittee appointed by Chairman Chris Devaney was scheduled to meet in Nashville on Thursday morning to evaluate the challenge brought by Shirley Curry, who wants to overturn her four-vote loss in the House District 71 primary.

Adam Nickas, the executive director of the party, wouldn't say why the public wouldn't be allowed to follow the hearing and declined to elaborate on the basis for Curry's challenge.

The special panel will make recommendations to the full executive committee on Sept. 5.

Messages seeking comment from Curry and Dennis were not immediately returned on Wednesday.