Synthesis of the Ru(dcbpy)(2)(OQN) complex is reported in which dcbpy and OQN(-) are the bidentate 4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridyl and 8-oxyquinolate ligands, respectively. Spectroscopic, electrochemical, and theoretical analyses are indicative of extensive Ru(OQN) molecular orbital overlap due to degenerate Ru d(pi) and OQN p(pi) mixing. Ru(dcbpy)(2)(OQN) displays spectroscopic properties remarkably similar to those of the N3 dye, making it a promising candidate for application in dye-sensitized solar cell devices. However, its solar power conversion efficiency requires further optimization.