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.