Jim Petro was first to take his name out of consideration. Betty Montgomery now says she won’t run. While dozens of others still being considered by the Ohio Republican Party. From the Plain Dealer:

Despite her concerns about fielding qualified candidates, Montgomery made it clear that she doesn’t plan to be one.

She said she will not be the GOP’s nominee for the November election to pick who completes the final two years of Dann’s four-year term.

Former Attorney General Jim Petro, a Republican who held the office before Dann, said Tuesday that he also will not seek the post this year. Petro will remain focused on a run for Ohio Supreme Court chief justice in 2010.

He suggested the party begin grooming new candidates for statewide offices.

Democrats have already tapped state Treasurer Richard Cordray to be their candidate for attorney general.

Republicans wanted to pick a candidate by last week.

“We have until Aug. 20,” said party spokesman Jason Mauk, adding that up to a dozen people are being considered.

“Obviously, we know it is not in our interest to wait until Aug. 20,” Mauk said, “but we continue to believe that we have plenty of time to field a strong candidate to make the race competitive.”

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