HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania remains a happy political hunting ground for Republican candidates despite Al Gore’s solid win in the state’s presidential race.

Party leaders brag this is one of the most Republican states in the nation in terms of elective offices held by the party. Tuesday’s election results allow them to keep their bragging rights.

House Republicans actually improved their position following the hard-fought and expensive battle for control of the 203-member state House. They leave a stalemate behind and enter the new session with a 104-99 edge. The defeats of incumbent Democrats Joseph Battisto, D-Monroe and Tim Pesci, D-Armstrong, are key reasons why the Republicans improved their margin.

The local impact on that count was negligible. State Rep. Michael Grutiza, Hermitage, D-7th District, turned back a challenge from Republican Jack Kopen. Retiring Republican Howard Fargo’s 8th District seat stayed in the GOP column with the victory of Richard Stevenson, Grove City, over Democrat James C. Coulter.

House Republicans acknowledge that with a four-seat margin they will continue to seek Democratic support for important measures dealing with tax cuts, business aid and education.

"We found many friends on that side of the aisle," said House Appropriations Chairman John Barley, R-Lancaster.

Working the opposite aisle won’t be a problem for Senate Republicans. They continue to dominate that chamber 30-20. A Republican senator was unseated, but the GOP picked up the seat of a retiring Democratic senator in Indiana County.

With continued control of the General Assembly and Gov. Tom Ridge in mid-term, Republicans will be able to set the legislative agenda and control the redistricting of congressional and state legislative districts next year.

Tuesday was a good night for a trio of GOP incumbents from western Pennsylvania. U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum was re-elected. So were Attorney General Michael Fisher and Treasurer Barbara Hafer -- all of whom may be eyeing the 2002 gubernatorial race.

Auditor General Robert Casey Jr. won re-election handily and is the only Democrat holding statewide office.

One bright spot for Democrats was the strong effort by the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO to mobilize turnout for Gore in Philadelphia and other urban areas.

It was reminiscent of union-led voter drives in the 1960s. Network exit polls showed Pennsylvania union members came out to support Gore.

"One out of every three votes cast were made by voters living in union households," said Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President William George. "Turnout among union families reached record levels as high as 70 percent in some areas."