Cuomo bucks a GOP trend

Following his

father's footsteps, Andrew Cuomo cruised to victory Tuesday night as New York's 56th governor, a

Democratic bright star on

a night in which ire over the economy sent many

Democrats to defeat.

That anger moved the U.S. House of Representatives to Republican control, thanks to tea party-backed candidates, and enabled the GOP to pick up at least five seats in the Senate - Rand Paul won in Kentucky and Marco Rubio in Florida - but Democrats retained control there.

Despite Republican gains nationally, New York Democrats held their own.

Sixteen years after his father lost to George Pataki, a Cuomo returned to the state's top elected post with a resounding victory over upstate businessman Carl Paladino, whose largely self-funded campaign all but imploded.

In addition, two well-financed Democratic senators, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, easily won re-election against little known and poorly financed challengers. And Democrat Eric Schneiderman defeated Republican Dan Donovan to become attorney general.

Great Neck Plaza resident state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who was not expected to win, was leading in a tight race against financier Harry Wilson.

Four Long Island congressional incumbents defeated their rivals, while Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) was locked in a close battle against Republican challenger Randy Altschuler.

Democratic control of the State Senate was uncertain Tuesday night as freshman state Sen. Brian Foley (D-Blue Point), who two years ago helped give Democrats control of the Senate, lost to GOP foe Lee Zeldin.

In the Assembly, Democrats retained control even though two-term incumbent Marc Alessi (D-Shoreham) was locked in a dead heat with Legis. Dan Losquadro (R-Shoreham), the Suffolk Legislature's minority leader.