CHICAGO – Democrats were off to a strong start Tuesday in their efforts to hold onto solid majorities in both houses of the Illinois General Assembly, even claiming one seat party leaders wished they hadn't.

Former state Democratic Rep. Derrick Smith, booted from his House seat in August because of a federal bribery charge, won back his post with 62 percent of the vote over a candidate the Democrats wanted to replace him.

The Illinois Constitution precludes kicking Smith out more than once for the same offense.