Strickland, a fellow Democrat who led the charge for Dann to step down, said he has collected a list of people in the days since revelations of Dann's extramarital affair and role in a sexual harassment scandal were revealed. But he said serious screenings had not yet begun while Dann was still refusing to leave office.

Dann, 46, succumbed to the pressure Wednesday, saying the negative publicity was overshadowing the good work of the office's 1,400 employees.

Under law, first assistant attorney general Tom Winters will assume the responsibilities of attorney general until Strickland names a replacement. In a letter to the staff, Winters called it a sad and emotional day and commended the staff for its "nationwide reputation as aggressive and professional advocates for the people of Ohio."

Among those mentioned as possible successors are Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, higher education chancellor Eric Fingerhut, state Treasurer Richard Cordray, Cuyahoga County prosecutor Bill Mason and Strickland's chief legal counsel Kent Markus.

Strickland's appointee would serve until November, when voters would be handed the task of choosing a successor.