* Years ago, when George Ryan was still governor and under constant siege by the media and the US Attorney’s office, I ran into Ryan at a Greektown restaurant. Ryan sat at my table for a bit and chatted with my ever-polite guests, even though none of them voted for him and all of them thought he was an embarrassment to the state. Other restaurant patrons approached Ryan while he sat with us and asked for photos and autographs.

Keep that in mind while reading this New York Times report…

As to signs that Mr. Blagojevich has overwhelmingly lost support in this state of more than 12 million, and that, in the words of the lieutenant governor, “nobody will get within 10 feet of him,” Mr. Guerrero looked to other indicators. He said that the governor had received 400 letters of support since his arrest on Dec. 9, and that there were perhaps less tangible glimmers of hope, too, like thumbs-up signs from passers-by at places like Starbucks.

Rod Blagojevich is a notorious celebrity. Of course he’s receiving “fan” mail and the occasional thumbs-up. George Ryan got that all the time.

In fact, Ryan was convinced that the support and friendliness he experienced almost wherever he went meant that the public opinion polls which showed his job approval rating in the low 20s were flat-out wrong.

Ryan was the one who was wrong.

* This, however, is one area where I believe the governor’s staff…

Some lawmakers had predicted Blagojevich might try to play games with the senators [during Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony], such as refusing to seat the new Senate and thereby stalling his impeachment trial.

But Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero said Monday there’s “no chance” the governor would refuse to seat the Senate.

The governor has claimed two things: 1) He did nothing wrong; and 2) He expects to receive much fairer treatment in the Senate. By abdicating his Constitutional responsibilities Wednesday, he would disprove the first item and endanger the second.

I think Blagojevich will exceed expectations and behave himself. Then again, he is Rod Blagojevich.

Senators will be “cordial,” according to GateHouse…

“I’ll be cordial; that’s my plan, that’s the statesman-like thing to do,” said Larry Bomke, R-Springfield. “I suspect all other senators will be cordial. Not necessarily friendly, but cordial.” […]

At most Senate inaugurations, governors are greeted with strong, standing ovations as they are escorted by a group of senators from both parties down the center aisle on the way up to the podium, shaking hands with legislators as they go.

But this time, incoming Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno said she’s had few takers for the escort role and thinks Blagojevich may instead come in more quietly through a back entrance. Applause will be muted, she predicted.

* Now, this is funny…

Embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich has at least one friend left in Illinois. […]

State lawmakers who impeached him last week have long said that policy was irresponsible, but the group, National Taxpayers United of Illinois, said Blagojevich has been “a friend to taxpayers.”

“(Blagojevich) has done some goofy things, but oh well,” said James Tobin, the group’s president. “At least he’s kept his promise” and not raised the income tax, he said.

Tobin hearts Blagojevich. You can’t make this stuff up.

* And speaking of Blagojevich friends, Senate President Emil Jones urged the Senate to proceed with caution in its upcoming impeachment trial…

“Maybe all the evidence may point in one direction, but it may be the wrong person,” Jones said. “We don’t have all the facts.'’

The wrong person? Does Jones mean somebody else is on those surveillance tapes and Rod Blagojevich was framed? Please.

Jones said he had no apologies for often siding with a governor who has been impeached and is charged with federal corruption. ‘’Through it all, I have few regrets,'’ Jones said.

And that’s his biggest problem. He has no regrets for blowing chance after chance to better the state. Instead, he opted for political payback and family gain.

…Adding… Scott Reeder points to the ironic result of a governor who relentlessly attempted to expand his office’s power…

Recruiting skilled financiers, top-notch agency directors and public policy experts, may be more than a bit problematic for a new governor, whose term ends in fewer than two years.

So it’s likely legislative leaders will step into the void and use their staff to draft state budgets, form comprehensive public policies and do the heavy lifting on issues like raising taxes and cutting spending.

That may well be Blagojevich’s most lasting legacy: less respect, reduced power and fewer duties for the office he leaves behind.

* Related…

* Blagojevich got $80,000 from road builders

* Who would give Rod Blagojevich $617,643?

*Ill. Sen. John O. Jones: Ex-nurse I tried to help is unemployed

* SJ-R Opinion: Illinoisans could witness more history tomorrow

* The joke’s on us as long as Blagojevich remains governor