By Cindi Andrews
Enquirer staff writer

Democratic Party leaders have two more days to decide on a write-in candidate for Hamilton County prosecutor, but one Democrat says he may run regardless of whether he's the chosen one.

"No matter what happens with the party endorsement, it is very likely I will sign my name on Monday," attorney Fanon Rucker said Friday.

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Fanon Rucker Age: 32 Residence: Roselawn Experience: Employment and civil rights attorney at Santen & Hughes; part-time prosecutor for Woodlawn and Lincoln Heights; former assistant prosecutor for Cincinnati; former attorney with Manley Burke Law school: University of Cincinnati *** Jody Luebbers Age: 41 Residence: Sycamore Township Experience: Attorney at Fox & Fox; former assistant county prosecutor Law school: Chase *** John Cranley Age: 30 Residence: East Price Hill Experience: Cincinnati councilman; administrative director of the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Institute for Justice at the University of Cincinnati; former attorney with Taft Stettinius & Hollister Law school: Harvard *** A Republican has also filed independently as a write-in: James Rueger Age: 55 Residence: Green Township Experience: Attorney specializing in family and civil law at Dolle Rueger & Matthews Co. downtown; formerly handled criminal cases; served in Navy Law school: Chase Click here to see an archive of our coverage, including complaint and response texts, video, and previous stories. • Special section

Rucker, a part-time prosecutor for Woodlawn and Lincoln Heights, is one of three potential candidates interviewed by the Democrats' nominating committee Friday afternoon.

The party is looking for someone to challenge Republican Prosecutor Mike Allen in light of his recent admission to a 31/2-year extramarital affair with an employee. It's too late for a new candidate to get on the ballot, but candidates can file as write-ins until 4 p.m. Monday.

Republicans, too, are looking for an "insurance" candidate in case Allen resigns.

Ohio Treasurer Joe Deters - the county's last prosecutor - has been mentioned, but he downplayed the possibility Friday.

"I'm in New York (visiting), so I don't know how that would work," Deters said.

So far, Republican attorney James Rueger is the only write-in for prosecutor.

The Democratic nominating committee met Friday with Cincinnati Councilman John Cranley and Jody Luebbers - a former assistant county prosecutor - in addition to Rucker. More prominent Democrats such as Mayor Charlie Luken and former Judge Ann Marie Tracey have said they will not run.

Rucker is a former assistant prosecutor for Cincinnati.

Cranley has the best-known name of the three Democrats, but he said late Friday that he isn't sure yet if he wants to run.

The Democratic executive committee could decide on an endorsement when it meets today.

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