More Moe in 2012; Incumbent Expected Winner in Laurel Mayor's Race

Unofficial tallies showed incumbent Craig Moe handily held on to his job as Laurel mayor Tuesday night in one of the most contentious municipal elections in years.

Moe, 51, a manager of fleet services at the Maryland Transit Administration, captured roughly 49 percent of the vote, excluding absentee and provisional ballots.

Former Laurel Councilman followed with 27 percent and Ethics Commissioner had 24 percent. More than 1,300 votes were cast.

 This will be Moe’s third term in office. He served six terms on the city council.

"I'm very happy," Moe told Laurel Patch during his celebration party. "I feel my message got out to the community. They liked what they heard and voted accordingly," he said.

During the campaign, Moe snagged endorsements from the , the , a union representing the Laurel Police Department, Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker and State Sen. Jim Rosapepe.

Supporters said they couldn't allow Moe to lose.

Tina Leisher, 49, said she had been supporting Moe for about 10 years. A lifelong Laurel resident, she said her family is heavily involved in the city's Volunteer Fire Department and that moe has always been supportive.

"I think Craig Moe is a wonderful man," she said as she exited the Ward 2 poll earlier Tuesday.

Moe said during the campaign he wanted to see fewer vacant store fronts on Main Street. His administration has been criticized for failing to attract or maintain businesses in the city center.

Also, in response to questions over the lack of diversity on the city council, he cited his appointment of a female as city administrator and two African-Americans to head the Laurel Police Department and the city’s planning department.

“I’m going to work harder,” Moe said during the campaign. “It’s easy to take shots at the guy on top.”

Want to get the latest on Laurel City Hall? Follow Laurel Patch on Facebook or on Twitter. Stayed tuned for our live interview with Mayor Moe.