Mr. Luken said he has assembled a committee of business and civic leaders to organize the effort. In 1999, while running first citywide, Mr. Luken was the first-place finisher in 19 of the city's 26 wards. In the other seven wards, he was among the top five. While the suburbs surrounding Cincinnati vote overwhelmingly Republican, the city's electorate grew more and more Democratic through the '90s. City voters have elected Democratic majorities to council in the last three council elections.
Candidates have until midsummer to file petitions for mayor.
Mr. Deters said he is certain the Republicans will field a candidate. Some Republicans are not convinced the party needs to compete in the mayor's race. When you look at Charlie, you're not looking at a party line. That's what Charlie Luken does. He goes to the neighborhoods.