Anne Arundel County Republicans took back the County Council after four years of Democratic rule, cruising into office amid a groundswell of support for Gov.-elect Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.

Democrats went into the election with a 5-1 majority, but by late last night the tables had turned and Republicans had control, 4-3.

Few of the winners were willing to read much into how the change would affect the council. But it could hamper Democratic County Executive Janet S. Owens' ability to push through her agenda if she wins re-election. Owens clung to a narrow lead last night over her Republican opponent, Phillip D. Bissett.

Owens said she was disappointed with the results and was trying to sort out what it all meant late last night. But she doubted the majority flip would have a huge affect on the council. "The council will deal with the issues and won't play partisan politics," she said."

"I was in the majority last time, and I'll be in the minority this time," said Democratic Councilwoman Pamela G. Beidle, who easily won re-election against her opponent, Bob Gouge. "I've not been in the minority before, so it will be a new experience."

With nearly all votes tallied, Cathleen M. Vitale, the council's lone Republican since the death of Councilman John Klocko III, easily cruised to re-election with about 70 percent of the vote. Her opponent, construction manager George Maloney, raised more than $65,000 to challenge her for the seat, and Vitale said she had expected a closer race.

"I'm honored and humbled by the numbers," said Vitale from her victory party at Ledo's Pizza in Severna Park. "I would think you would find what the votes tell us is that people wanted a change."

Accountant Ron Dillon Jr. said he has no doubts that the strong turnout for Ehrlich led him to victory over Democratic incumbent Shirley Murphy. But he also said he campaigned hard for the seat and talked a lot about Pasadena area issues.

"It really sends a strong message toward controlling growth, making our schools better and trying to bring some new capital improvements to the district," Dillon said.

Democrat Daniel E. Klosterman Jr., an accountant, struggled to keep his seat in a bruising campaign against former Republican state Sen. Edward Middlebrooks in District 2. But Middlebrooks prevailed, winning the seat representing Glen Burnie with nearly 50 percent of the vote.

District 7 - including Crofton and South County - was up for grabs, with no incumbent in the race. It was a race tinged with sadness because of Klocko's death. Republican Edward R. Reilly of Crofton beat Democrat William A. Rinehart of South County, taking about 57 percent of the vote.

Reilly said curbing development and protecting the environment are key priorities - especially in South County.

Barbara D. Samorajczyk, a District 6 Democrat, handily won re-election over write-in candidate Regina Eyler Linton.

Ehrlich's coattails apparently did not extend to District 4, where Council Chairman Bill D. Burlison, a staunch Owens supporter, won re-election against local attorney Michael Malone.

The 72-year-old former Missouri congressman, who knocks on the door of every registered voter and remembers names of constituents' pets, impressed Department of Defense manager Linda Proctor.

"He came to my door and talked to me," said Proctor, who lives in Severn. "I felt at ease, and I felt what he said was genuine, that he would continue to make a difference."

At the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department, Mark and Barbara Miara said they were thinking it was time for a change, statewide and locally. Both Ehrlich supporters, they also voted for Dillon.

"" "

At the Glen Burnie Improvement Association, election workers reported one of the highest midterm elections in recent memory, with lines out the door at 7 a.m.

Janice McFayden, a 64-year- old bed administrator at North Arundel Hospital and an Ehrlich supporter who voted for Middlebrooks, said she is concerned about the poor pay for police and firefighters.

Sun staff writer Julie Bykowicz contributed to this article.