COLUMBUS — If State Treasurer Joe Deters becomes Ohio's next Attorney General, he wants to have the power to fight terrorism as “organized crime.”

        Mr. Deters, a Hamilton County Republican, will face off against State Auditor Jim Petro in what is considered to be one of the most hotly contested primary races next year.

        In his first major initiative since he announced his candidacy, Mr. Deters held a news conference Wednesday to unveil anti-terrorism legislation that would expand the powers of the Attorney General's Office.

        If it passes, the measure — which is also supported by Mr. Petro — would define terrorism as “organized crime” under Ohio law and would require anti-terrorism detection and interdiction training for all Ohio peace officers.

        Under the organized crime statute, the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission could then fund task forces around the state that address terrorism.

        The bill would also permanently add two agents to the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. These agents would be dedicated only to anti-terrorism efforts, and would work as liaisons between county and federal officials. Mr. Deters praised Attorney General Betty Montgomery's work in improving the bureau, but said that more changes are needed. “The rules have changed since September 11,” Mr. Deters said.

        Ms. Montgomery's office said they are still reviewing the plan but see no problems with it.

        Sen. David Goodman, R-Bexley, the bill's sponsor, said he will soon introduce the measure in the Senate.

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