SD-3

Carroll County politicians differ over the impact of the story that a company founded by state Rep. Bill Denley (R-Wakefield) was under investigation by Maine's Attorney General.

The story has quickly become the main issue in Denley's bid for the state senate in District 3 against Bud Martin (D-Center Sandwich).

State Sen. Joe Kenney's decision to run for governor has led to one of the most competitive state Senate races in the state.

State Rep. Bill Denley (R-Wakefield) won a three-way primary on September 9 to square-off against Bud Martin (D-Center Sandwich) in November.

Local politicians agree that the race will come down to how well the candidates perform in the southern part of the district.

Fresh off his Republican primary win in Senate District 3, state Rep. William Denley said he is looking forward to highlighting his difference in opinion with Democratic nominee Judge Willard "Bud" Martin.

Denley (R-Wakefield) said he "feels pretty good" with his Tuesday night win because the returns showed he received support in all the areas of the district. Looking ahead to the general election race against Martin (D-Center Sandwich), Denley said he shares many of the same positions as Martin, but on the issue of education funding, Denley said, he and Martin are on different sides.

State Rep. William Denley has captured the Republican nomination in state Senate District 3, besting state Reps. Sam Cataldo and David Babson in Tuesday's primary.

With 47 percent of precincts reporting, Denley has earned 53 percent of the vote, compared to Cataldo's (Farmington) 26 percent and Babson's (Ossipee) 21 percent, according to New Hampshire Public Radio's returns.

Denley will face Judge Willard "Bud" Martin (D-Center Sandwich) in the general election.

This weekend while votes are enjoying a restful weekend, candidates competing in the Republican primary in state Senate District three will be busy out on the campaign trail.

Sam Cataldo (R-Farmington) will be marching in the Epping home day parade and will have a booth at the Farmington hay day, while David Babson (R-Ossipee) said he will also be attending several events. William Denley (R-Wakefield) will be at the Conway parade and will also be attending a house party in Conway.

State Sen. Joe Kenney's (R-Wakefield) decision to run for governor has set-off a three-way Republican primary to capture the 3rd state Senate district seat.

The primary features three former state representatives who hope to move up to the upper chamber: Sam Cataldo (R-Farmington), David Babson (R-Ossipee) and William Denley (R-Wakefield). The Republican nominee will face Judge Bud Martin (D-Center Sandwich).

Erik Taylor, former chairman of the Carroll County Republicans and a consultant with Elevare Communications, said the key to the primary are the "boros."

Judge Willard "Bud" Martin (D-Center Sandwich) has officially announced that he is running for the state senate.

"This is a great time to get excited about politics.  We need a Senator in Concord who is ready to work alongside Governor Lynch to continue to bring about constructive change on behalf of the families and businesses of New Hampshire," Martin said in a statement. "My training and experience put me in a good position to represent District 3, as we seek to balance protection of our community structures and resources with orderly and planned growth. As a small business owner, I understand the economic struggles that small businesses, the backbone of our local economy, are facing."

Judge Bud Martin (D-Laconia) will officially launch his campaign for state Senate with a boat cruise.

Martin will host a kick-off event on May 31 aboard the M/S Mount Washington.

State Senate candidate Bud Martin (D-Sandwich) has put-up a campaign website: budmartin08.com.

Martin is running in District Three on the the slogan: "It's all about the community...making it economically strong and caring."

Martin is running for the seat vacated by state Sen. Joe Kenney (R-Wakefield).