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Dewine not interested in AG job
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
COLUMBUS — Former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine said Monday, June 9, he will not run for Ohio attorney general and instead will focus on Republican John McCain's presidential campaign in Ohio.
"You know, this was a tough decision for me. I think I would have enjoyed very much being attorney general and I would've been good at it and cleaned up the messes," DeWine said.
Mike DeWine Senator from Ohio Photo taken in Dayton at debate with Brown. Staff photo by Bill Garlow Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien also announced he will not seek the job this year.
"The timing is not right for me, and I'm running for re-election (as county prosecutor)," O'Brien said. I don't intend to be a candidate for AG this year."
DeWine declined to endorse a fellow party member for the race, saying the GOP has a number of good prospects, including county prosecutors with strong law enforcement backgrounds. "It is a very winnable race for Republicans. People will see we need a watchdog in the attorney general's office."
DeWine joins other top Ohio Republicans who decided against running for attorney general. Former Congressman and former White House budget director Rob Portman and Betty Montgomery , former state auditor and attorney general, have decided not to make a bid for the job.
Ohio voters will hold a special election in November to pick an attorney general to replace Democrat Marc Dann, who resigned May 14 amid a sexual harassment scandal. Gov. Ted Strickland appointed Nancy Hardin Rogers to serve as attorney general in the meantime.
The Ohio GOP and Ohio Democratic Party are expected to name their attorney general candidates this month.
Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1624 or lbischoff@DaytonDailyNews.com.
