Ohio governor ponders replacement for Dann

Strickland says he’s taking several individuals into consideration.

COLUMBUS (AP) — A longtime county prosecutor in Dayton and a Hamilton County commissioner are on a list of potential Democratic replacements for former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann.

Mat Heck, Montgomery County prosecutor since 1992, told The Associated Press Monday that he is being considered by Gov. Ted Strickland. David Pepper, a Hamilton County Commissioner since 2006, is also in the mix, said Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairman Tim Burke and a Democratic state lawmaker with knowledge of the governor’s deliberations. The lawmaker, who requested anonymity because he was discussing the governor’s internal decision making, also confirmed that Heck was on the list.

Heck said he has not spoken with the governor or his staff, but has been told by prosecutors and Democratic Party officials from around the state that he is being considered.

He said he’s been a lifelong prosecutor and has never sought the position of attorney general, but would be interested in the job.

“Whatever he (the governor) decides I know he’ll make the right decision,” said Heck, whose father also held the top prosecutor’s job in Montgomery County.

Pepper said he didn’t know whether he was on the list and didn’t have much to say on it.

“I think the governor has responded well (to the Dann scandal) and I think he’ll make the decision that’s best,” said Pepper, whose father was a former chief executive of Proctor Gamble Co. and currently serves as chairman of the board of the Walt Disney Co.

Burke was asked by the governor’s staff to make suggestions for possible replacements for Dann. Of the two names Burke gave the governor’s staff, Pepper’s was the one they focused on, he said.

“He’s somebody who has an excellent relationship with the governor,” Burke said. “He has impressed the governor. He’s one hell of a hard worker.”

Dann resigned Wednesday under threat of impeachment. On May 2 he admitted to an extramarital affair — with a subordinate — that he said contributed to an atmosphere that led to sexual harassment complaints against a top aide in his office.

Strickland’s office will not discuss candidates for his replacement. However, Strickland said earlier Monday that he has spoken about the job with another person whose name has figured prominently in discussions of who would replace Dann — state Treasurer Richard Cordray.

Strickland said he had talked with Cordray because he is part of the inner circle of statewide Democratic officials he consults, but also about taking the job. He emphasized he has been talking to others as well.

“We are looking at a large number of individuals, their qualifications and their experiences,” Strickland said. “I am in an information gathering period of time right now.”