Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens declared victory over Republican challenger Phillip D. Bissett last night after an all-day count of about 6,000 absentee ballots by election officials.

"I am thrilled that the campaign is over, and that the voters of this county have reaffirmed my leadership for four more years," Owens said.

According to an unofficial count released about 9:30 last night by the county board of elections, Owens received 89,290 votes to Bissett's 83,115 -- about 52 percent to 48 percent.

Bissett refused to concede last night.