State Treasurer Joe Deters has shelved plans to run for Ohio attorney general next year to avoid a costly and politically divisive Republican primary fight with auditor Jim Petro.

        Instead, Mr. Deters, former Hamilton County prosecutor, will run for re-election as treasurer, with the assurance that Mr. Petro, if elected as attorney general, will not seek a second term in 2006.

        Mr. Petro, of Cleveland, may then run for governor. Gov. Bob Taft would not be eligible to run again in 2006, assuming he is re-elected next year.

        Mr. Deters said he and Mr. Petro have met several times during the past month.

        “Neither of us were looking forward to spending $6 million and beating the heck out of each other,” Mr. Deters said. “So we started discussing ways we could both get to where we wanted to go.

        “What changed everything was Jim's assurance to me that he would not seek a second term as attorney general, and would in fact support my bid in 2006 for attorney general.”

        The arrangement leaves Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell out in the cold. Mr. Blackwell, a Republican, had intended to run for the vacated treasurer's seat, with an eye on the governor's office in 2006.

        Mr. Blackwell did not comment. His spokesman said it will all work out.

        “This is a family discussion,” said Carlo LoParo. “Ken Blackwell is a team player, and he will ultimately do what's in the best interest of the Republican Party. But he does have some concerns that need to be addressed.”

        Republicans control all the major offices at the state level. Still, Democrat Party officials were not willing to award any of the contested offices to the GOP.

        “It is unfortunate that Republicans like Petro, Deters and Blackwell have lost sight of the difference between public service and their own personal political ambitions,” said David J. Leland, chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party.

        “The ongoing games of these candidates running for offices they don't really want are a disappointment to all Ohioans and guarantee a continued lack of leadership in the state,” he said.

        Mr. Deters said he has always wanted to be attorney general.

        “I'm a lawyer. It's what I was trained to do. It's what I love doing,” Mr. Deters said. “Any lawyer would tell you, attorney general is a dream job.

        “Both Jim and I are giving up something here.”

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