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."

"You have to win the ‘boros.' You need to do well in Wolfeboro, Moultonborough and Tuftonboro. They vote in primaries and if you do well there you're well positioned to win." Taylor added, "it's important to have a candidate from Carroll County. If you're not from the county the people in Carroll County would be concerned about that."

In the 2006 general election Kenney was re-elected by 448 votes and carried the "boros" by wide margins.

Both Babson and Cataldo said they are running on a fiscal conservative message.

"I'm running to maintain the New Hampshire advantage," Babson said. "It's time to get back to New Hampshire being the envy of New England."

Cataldo said his platform includes reducing America's dependence on foreign oil and "returning New Hampshire back to the people."

"It's time to send out an SOS: Save our State," Cataldo said.

Despite the perception that voters do not pay attention to politics in the summer, Cataldo and Babson have been busy organizing supporters.

Cataldo holds a weekly meeting with volunteers and will hold a picnic in August for the public.

While, Babson has also been organizing supporters and said he is running a grassroots operation.

Cataldo urged the candidates to unite after the primary. "We need to understand that whoever wins the other two will need to help 100 percent. That's the Republican way."

The three men will see the fruits of their labor on Sept. 9 when Republican voters go to the polls.

Mr. Denley was unavailable for an interview.