Bud Martin

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).