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LWV League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund

Smart Voter
Hamilton County, OH November 2, 2004 Election
Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues
Prosecuting Attorney; County of Hamilton


The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.

See below for questions on Qualifications, Top Priority, Pressing Issues

Click on a name for other candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.


1. What are your qualifications for office?

Answer from Fanon Adeyemi Rucker:

I have tried over five hundred cases to the judges and juries of Hamilton County. I have been actively involved in all isssues affecting the criminal justice system and have worked well with a representative cross-section of the Bar to instill public trust in the justice system. I know the law substantively, and I have the ability to put together an aggessive, progressive team of lawyers to represent Hamilton County.

Answer from Joesph T. Deters:

Over the past 16 years, I have administered 3 large government offices. Most importantly, I held the position for which I am now running, that of Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney, from 1992 until I was elected State Treasurer in 1998.


2. How would you implement your top priority?

Answer from Fanon Adeyemi Rucker:

I will simply implement a written policy preventing political activity in the office. Additionally, my management style will be based upon respect and merit, not fear and favors. How quickly an attorney rises in the office will be strictly based upon demonstrated ability and adherence to the Ohio Code of Professional Conduct and the Ohio Revised Code.

Answer from Joesph T. Deters:

By vigorously prosecuting serious felony cases and refusing to plea bargain these cases, violent criminals will learn their behavior will not be tolerated. Moreover, they will be held accountable for their actions. This provides for the equal administration of justice for all defendants.


3. What do you see as the two most pressing issues you would address if elected? What plans do you have relative to those issues?

Answer from Joesph T. Deters:

The proliferation of violence involving the use of firearms and distribution of drugs at the street level which has led to much of the violence are two of the most serious criminal issues today. By promulgating a "no tolerance" policy when a firearm is used, will bring a certainty of punishment for those persons who commit crimes using a gun.

Answer from Fanon Adeyemi Rucker:

1.Fair and equal represenation of Hamilton County residents in civil and criminal matters. I don't have any plan except to simply do it. Such treatment is required by the Constitution and our Code of Conduct.

2.Targeting drug suppliers. We will use prosecutorial resources to pursue and prosecute those that supply street-level drug dealers and users. Street-level dealers must be dealt with harshly; however, they are not the source of the problem.


Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer must not exceed 75 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.


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Created: December 15, 2004 13:40 PST
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