Hamilton East

It is a two-horse race in Hamilton West, where incumbent Labour MP Martin Gallagher says he's not taking any polls for granted until the final votes are counted.

Early polls have put Gallagher way out in front of the political race, with nearly twice as much support than his closest rival - National's Bob Simcock.

However, he is determined not to count his chickens before they hatch.

"There's only one poll that counts and that's on election night."

National and Labour have shared the Hamilton West electorate of 66,300 people in previous years, with the seat usually going to the party in power.

The culturally mixed electorate has many working families with young children. Nearly 9 per cent of the population is unemployed.

Gallagher said completing the Waikato Expressway was a key issue for residents, followed closely by national issues such as health and education.

Simcock said law and order was the big concern.

Both candidates said they supported Waikato Hospital's bid for a neurosurgery unit.

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