PLYMOUTH MEETING—What Republicans were hoping would be a competitive race for an open state Senate seat in Montgomery County ended in a romp Tuesday night, as state Rep. Daylin Leach (D-Upper Merion) was projected to move to Harrisburg's upper chamber.

With all precincts reporting, Leach was beating Republican Lower Merion Commissioner Lance Rogers by more than 30 points. He had more than 54,000 votes, compared to just over 29,000 for Rogers.

Pending certification of the results, he will take the 17th Senatorial District seat being vacated by state Sen. Connie Williams (D-Montgomery).

He greeted cheering supporters here late Tuesday night, shortly after networks had called the presidency for Barack Obama.

"This is the best night that ever happened, isn't it?" he asked.

In a brief interview with PolitickerPA.com, he called the outcome a triumph of "substance and ideas over negativity," alluding to what had been a contentious campaign against Rogers.

"I feel terrific," he said. "This race has revived the faith I've always had in my constituents."

And he said filling in for the departing incumbent would be a tall order.

"Sen. Williams is a legend, and I have big shoes to fill."

A Rogers campaign spokesman did not return multiple calls seeking comment late Tuesday night.

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