Election 2012: Costa, Costa, Gainey Win House, Senate Seats

ELECTION RESULTS

• 43rd Senate District—Jay Costa (D)  59,588, 100% of votes in

• 34th Legislative District—Paul Costa (D)  16,090, 100% of votes in

• 24th Legislative District—Ed Gainey (D)  16,843, 100% of votes in

The polling place at the Forest Hills Fire Department station on Ardmore Boulevard already had more voters by mid-morning than had voted the entire day of the May primary election.

"It's been a really good turnout today," said poll worker Linda Mallick.

As of 10:15 a.m., 155 residents had cast their ballots, compared with 137 by the time the polls closed at 8 p.m. in May. The borough's 7th District has 740 registered voters.

"We're hoping to get 70 percent," Mallick said, noting only 17 percent voted in the primary.

One poll worker noted that what amazed her is that, despite the contentious atmosphere of the weeks leading up to today, is that "everyone seems happy."

To see what's happening around the region, click here.

If not for the race for U.S. President, state offices and the Congressional seat, this would be a pretty boring election locally.

Incumbent Democrat Jay Costa of Forest Hills is running unopposed for the 43rd Senate District seat, which includes Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Churchill, Edgewood, Forest Hills, Swissvale and the 14th Ward of Pittsburgh.

His brother, state Rep. Paul Costa, an incumbent Democrat from Wilkins Township, is running unopposed for the 34th Legislative District seat. The House seat includes Braddock, Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Churchill, Edgewood, Forest Hills, North Braddock, Rankin, Swissvale, Turtle Creek, Wilkins and parts of the 14th Ward in the City of Pittsburgh.

Democrat Ed Gainey, a newcomer who defeated long-time state Rep. Joseph Preston in the Democratic primary, is running opposed for the 24th District House seat, which covers Aspinwall; the 11th, 12th, 13th and part of the 14th wards in Pittsburgh; and Wilkinsburg.

To find out where to vote, click here.

To see more on the presidential, congressional and statewide offices, click here.

To follow the Twitter feed of regional Patch editors throughout the day, check out our Cover It Live story here.

Check back with us for election results after the polls close at 8 p.m.

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