TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- No surprises in legislative elections in the Garden State.

Republicans picked up an Assembly seat “down the shore,” but Democrats easily retained control of both houses of the legislature.

In one state senate race in our region that attracted a lot of attention, money, and negativity, incumbent Democrat Jim Whelan bested Republican Vince Polistina (see Larry Kane’s commentary).

Statewide, voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure allowing sports betting at casinos and race tracks — although it will take federal action overturning a current ban to actually make that happen.

Chuck Cahn replaces Bernie Platt as mayor of Cherry Hill, and Barbara Wallace will be the mayor of Washington Township.

Morrestown is lifting an almost century-old ban on liquor sales, although they’ll be limited to the Moorestown Mall (see related story).

And Princeton Borough will merge with Princetown Township, in the name of economy (see previous story).

Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio 1060