PORTLAND (AP) — It was the night for Democrats.

An easy-breathing one.

The South Coast’s congressman, Peter DeFazio, claimed 82 percent of the vote in the race for the 4th District of the U.S. House. He edged out Constitution Party candidate Jaynee Germond, who pulled in 14 percent of the vote, with Green Party challenger Mike Beilstein a far-distant third, with 4 percent.

Meanwhile, Oregon’s three other House incumbents — Demo-crats David Wu, Earl Blumenauer and and Republican Greg Walden — won easy re-election victories.

Democrat Kurt Schrader thinks his victory in the 5th District congressional race had more to do with people’s jitters about the economy than the personal character issues surrounding his GOP rival Mike Erickson.

Whatever the case, Schrader got a strong mandate from district voters who backed him by a 56-36 percent margin in Tuesday’s election.

It was an expensive exercise for Erickson, who spent $2 million of his own money on the race but was dogged throughout the campaign by allegations that he paid for his girlfriend’s abortion. Erickson, who touts himself as pro-life, has denied the allegation.

“My opponent had some serious issues,” Schrader said. “But frankly, Barack Obama swept the country and swept this district. I feel pretty good about being part of that.”