HAMPTON — The New Hampshire state primary is uncontested for most candidates, but November's general election is sure to promise many heated battles between Democrats and Republicans.

Sen. John Sununu, R-N.H., made a walk about downtown Hampton on Friday in preparation for his contest against former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat who will face off against him in a rematch of their 2002 contest.

Sununu was joined by state representatives and party mates Nancy Stiles and Chris Nevins of Hampton. All three are up for re-election this fall, with no competition in the Tuesday, Sept. 9, primary.

Sununu was asked what was on voters' minds this election.

"Energy, gas at $4, heating oil over $4," Sununu said.

Nevins and Stiles said the economy has replaced the war in Iraq as the No. 1 concern among voters.

"What I hear everybody is concerned about is money in every shape and form," Nevins said. "Oil, gas, taxes, everything going up."

Stiles said the greatest concern among Hampton and area residents is local property taxes. On Iraq, she said, "in 2006, that was the focus. I'm hearing more about the economy and gas issue."

"We're not hearing it because we're winning it," Nevins said of the war in Iraq.

Iraq is a secure situation, Sununu added, but when he talks to voters, the "economy and health care come up."

Business owners and residents interviewed echoed that their concern is the economy.

Fast Eddie's restaurant owner Neil Scibelli said his biggest concern is the price of food.

"I'm just really trying to control waste," he said.

Galley Hatch owner John Tinios said he supports Sununu as a fiscal conservative.

"My biggest concern is business taxes, high commodity taxes, food," Tinios said.

Marcia Marelli, of Marelli's Market, said, "I was talking to him primarily about health insurance for people like me. I have to pay $1,000 a month. That's $12,000 a year going to protect me from something catastrophic."

Sununu said he's introduced or supported legislation for fuel-efficient cars, extended tax credits for renewable energy, lifting the ban on off-shore drilling, and, with fellow Republican Sen. Judd Gregg, doubling fuel assistance for New Hampshire citizens.

Sununu started his walk at Caffe Fresco, talking to supporters Betty and John Callanan and Jim and Nancy Waddell, all of Hampton.

Jim Waddell is chairman of Sen. John McCain's campaign in Hampton. "He has a lot of momentum, he spoke well," Waddell said. "Sarah Palin is a great choice."

Nancy Waddell added, "I think they have unified the Republican Party."

Both Waddells are former Democrats and supporters of Bill Clinton. Living in Massachusetts before their recent move to Hampton, they supported former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Sununu also visited Prudential Realty, Monro Muffler and Brake, and the Casassa and Ryan law office, all on Route 1.

At Marelli's Market, former state representative Stanwood Brown was asked what his biggest concern was going into November. "Getting Republicans elected," he said.