Tuesday was a great night for the Democratic party, so you'd think that Washington County Democrats would be out in full force to celebrate.

The Dems were out, but not in great numbers -- at least not at the Alpine Club in Washington, where about 50 supporters watched the returns for state Rep. Jesse White, D-Cecil, who won a second two-year term.

The party faithful were subdued in a manner that was almost business-like as they used a computer and a television to keep a running tally on local, state and federal election returns.

The laptop computer, operated by Mr. White, who also is a Democratic committeeman, monitored results that showed him leading his Republican challenger, Frank Yuvan of Canton, every step of the way.

By 10 o'clock, Mr. White had 60 percent of the votes, and Democrats were ahead in most of the races he was tracking.

The hall had dozens of empty seats and tables.

"There were a lot more people here earlier, but they went home," Mr. White said. "Everyone's really tired. They've all worked hard for a long time."

The Democrats ate pizza and cake. The bar was open, but most drank soft drinks. Several people sipped quietly on beers as they watched election night results.

Washington County Democratic Chairman George W. Vitteck of Canton noted that "all the local Democrats won" except for Steve O'Donnell of Monroeville who was defeated by Republican Congressman Tim Murphy of Upper St. Clair.

Add that to the presidential election and "it's a good night to be a Democrat," Mr. Vitteck said. "In Washington County everyone worked together. The support of labor organizations, the county Democratic committee, legislators and the [Barack] Obama campaign" were a winning combination.

Voter registration favors Democrats in Washington County -- 95,099 to 51,185 over Republicans. There also are 1,382 Independents, Mr. Vitteck said.

Mr. White, 30, was one of 55 freshmen legislators elected two years ago by voters who were disgruntled with legislators who tried to vote themselves a pay raise in the middle of the night in 2005.

While Mr. White was happy with his own election returns, he used his laptop to check on returns for freshmen legislators who were in tight races. He was elated, however, when Matt Smith, D-Mt. Lebanon, won his re-election bid.

"Matt's my roommate in Harrisburg," he said.

At about 10:30 p.m. Mr. White received a call on his cell phone from Mr. Yuvan.

"He said congratulations on a job well done," Mr. White told supporters.

Mr. White posed for pictures with his two-year-old niece, Ava Peters of Cecil, and reviewed election returns.

By 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Mr. White had captured 64 percent of the vote while Mr. Yuvan had 34 per cent.

"I won in every voting precinct except Green Hills Borough," Mr. White said. Only 11 people voted there and I got one vote. I've never gotten a vote there. I wish I knew who voted for me there. I'd like to call to say thanks."

By the time Barack Obama appeared in Chicago at midnight to make his victory speech, only five Washington County Democrats, including Mr. White, were still in the Alpine Club to watch.

As the President-elect spoke, Mr. Whte received an e-mail on his Blackberry. It was a thank-you from Mr. Obama.

"I got seven text messages from him today," Mr. White said. "He and his staff are amazing."