Not only did they win the governor's race Tuesday, but Republicans again were on their way to dominating the Utah Legislature.

While the total seats gained were unknown late Tuesday, with many races still close and only early returns available in Salt Lake County, Democrats appeared to have stolen only one Republican seat. Senate District 1 was at a statistical tie with some precincts still to be counted.

Republicans were ahead in House District 1, with incumbent Democrat Rep. Eli Anderson of Tremonton lagging behind Ronda Rudd Menlove. Incumbent Democrat Rep. Roz McGee of Salt Lake City was narrowly ahead, while House Minority Leader Brent Goodfellow was in close race.

Outcomes could change when all the votes were counted, but Republicans said the election was another major victory for the party.

Every state House seat and nearly half the Senate were on the ballot. Democrats currently occupy seven of 29 Senate seats and 19 of 75 in the House.

"I feel like we gave it everything we had," said Democrat Tim Cosgrove, who was ahead in his race for incumbent Rep. Chad Bennion's Murray seat.

Bennion spent $26,404 to Cosgrove's $7,366. The Utah Education Association was out in full-force, supporting Cosgrove on door-to-door walks.

Other Democratic candidates didn't benefit from the education lobby. Democrat Laura Black was narrowly behind in her race against Republican Mark Walker, appointed in October to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Morgan Philpot.

Incumbent Rep. Susan Lawrence was easily ahead of Democrat Gary Sackett. In Davis County, Republican Allen Christensen was out in front in his bid to win the seat being vacated by Republican Sen. David Gladwell.

In Senate District 1, Republican incumbent James Evans was narrowly behind Democrat Fred Fife, a former state representative picked to "reclaim" the seat for his party.

Republicans also retained seats in Senate District 20, where incumbent Sen. Scott Jenkins R-Plain City, was winning narrowly against retired school teacher Joe Hull. In Senate District 8, incumbent Sen. Carlene Walker was easily ahead of her opponent, Lewis Richards Garrett, a Democrat.

Other races were expected to be close, but incumbents appeared to be winning handily.

Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich looked to easily retain his central Utah seat, while incumbent Rep. Ty McCartney, D-Salt Lake City, was ahead in his race. Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay was easily winning against her opponent, Republican Brice "Derek" Carsno, who may face legal problems after an unmerited challenge of some 1,500 Democrats' right to vote on Saturday.