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* NBC Chicago…
Ryan, who served as Illinois’ governor from 1999 to 2003, passed away Friday morning after spending the last few days in hospice care, according to former Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, a close friend of Ryan’s.
No cause of death was immediately given. […]
During a 2015 talk, Ryan said serving time on corruption charges gave him a new perspective on the criminal justice system.
“Justice is supposed to be blind, but the fact is most people are blind about the justice system,” Ryan said. “Those of us who have been there and are coming out of prison wondering what is going on. There are people concerned about what is going to happen to us, but I am not sure they care that much.”
People have and will say many bad things about him, but he got a lot of stuff done in four years.
…Adding… More coverage…
* Sun-Times: Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan dead at 91
* CBS2: Former Illinois Governor George Ryan dies at age 91, sources confirm; served prison time for corruption
* ABC7: Former IL Gov. George Ryan dead
* Fox32: Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan dies at 91
…Adding… Brad Cole…
Below is a statement from Brad Cole, CEO of the Illinois Municipal League, regarding former Gov. George Ryan. Cole served as Ryan’s Deputy Chief of Staff:
“Governor Ryan was a very good friend of mine. He was also fundamentally a good man, and I wish more people knew that about him. He dedicated himself to helping people when others wouldn’t and did so quietly and out of the spotlight. I will always be grateful for our more than 25-year relationship and am comforted that he and Lura Lynn are now together once again.”
* Curran…
Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) released the following statement on the passing of former Illinois Governor George Ryan:
“I join the many Illinoisans who are remembering the contributions that Gov. Ryan made to our state. He was a bold leader who wasn’t afraid to reach across the aisle and bring people together for the greater good. His investments in infrastructure, technology, and education to help create a brighter future for Illinois will long be remembered. I am thinking of his family and those who loved him, and wishing them strength and peace as they say goodbye.”
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 2, 25 @ 1:26 pm
Previous Post: The last acceptable prejudice
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RIP Governor. He did do good things and cared about governing. His problem is that he was an old time pol caught up in a changing environment of low tolerance on that help me, I’ll help you tradition of old. His faults are penny-ante compared to the graduate-level grift now in vogue in the party that consumed Ryan’s.
Comment by Norseman Friday, May 2, 25 @ 1:42 pm
I doubt we’ll ever see a career path like his again: State Rep., Speaker, Lt. Governor, SecState, and then Governor.
Comment by NIU Grad Friday, May 2, 25 @ 1:47 pm
I met him a few times he was a very likable man in my opinion. Yes he was as old school and it cost him. May he rest in peace
Comment by DuPage Saint Friday, May 2, 25 @ 1:53 pm
==but he got a lot of stuff done in four years.==
He really did. Everytime I ride fhe Brown Line, I remember how it was his Illinois FIRST program that redid all the stations on the northside, enabling longer trains to service those areas. Some
of those stops dated to the 19th Century.
He could have been one of the greats but as others have pointed out, what was consdiered acceptable changed during his time in office. He and MUM were very very much alike. Different parties but same philosophy. They started out hating each other but wound up working very closely with each other. Someone could write a book just on that alone.
Comment by low level Friday, May 2, 25 @ 2:09 pm
He was the last Governor we had that wanted to make a deal and move on to the next issue. Compromise and negotiation was a part of the process.
Since then every Governor has taken a “screw you” approach to Governing.
Comment by Just Me 2 Friday, May 2, 25 @ 2:21 pm
He certainly did wrong, but he did a lot that was right. I didn’t always agree with him — I am not GOP — but I did and still do respect him. He will be missed despite his many faults. RIP.
Comment by Thad Friday, May 2, 25 @ 2:26 pm
RIP
Comment by So_Ill Friday, May 2, 25 @ 2:26 pm
Lots of things can be said, in my mind his real legacy was ending the death penalty. After his tenure he became a national advocate and spokesperson.
His mistake is what is defining him today in the headlines but I agree with an earlier statement that he really looked to negotiate deals not punish or hold grudges against those who didn’t agree with him 100%.
Comment by Frida’s boss Friday, May 2, 25 @ 2:30 pm
Many who were around in those days still strongly suggest that the last time the governmental trains were running on time in Illinois was under George Ryan. Largely because of his Legislative experience and his ability to cut the deal.
The above is from Democrat leaders. RIP Governor.
Comment by Did It Friday, May 2, 25 @ 2:33 pm
Few lives have been more tragic (in the literary sense).
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Friday, May 2, 25 @ 2:46 pm
==“Justice is supposed to be blind, but the fact is most people are blind about the justice system,” Ryan said.==
What about those six children who died in that unspeakable crash? Where was their justice?
Comment by Ink-Stained Wretch Friday, May 2, 25 @ 2:48 pm
I met Governor Ryan and his wife on Inauguration Day in 1999, I happened to be manning the door while he was waiting to be admitted to address the Chamber, so the three of us had a good ten minute chat. He was I believe a decent man and I am a pretty solid judge of character.
Yes, his level of machine corruption at the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office would be considered a trifle compared to today’s White House standards. But we must also not forget that the Willis family would likely be alive today but for that corruption.
No matter how seemingly trivial, we owe the public honest services in every action as public servants.
That said I am sure the man I met deeply regretted the harm he caused. Yes, he was a political dinosaur at the end of an era of state patronage and cronyism, doing what others around him had done for more than 50 years in state government, but that does not bring the Willis family back.
People are complicated, but I hope he rests in peace and his family and friends are blessed with good memories.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, May 2, 25 @ 2:57 pm
In my experience he was a good governor- the last Illinois Republican (save JBT) capable of doing the job. However I had a dear friend, who had been a loyal Republican, and who retired from a lifelong career at Il Sec of State- who couldn’t have a civil conversation regarding Ryan- because of the constant (usually golf- related) employee shake-downs they had experienced.
Comment by West Sider Friday, May 2, 25 @ 2:57 pm
I’lll never forget the 2000 (2001?) state of the state address when he talked about same sex marriage and was booed by House Republicans. Not missing a beat, he said in reply “That’s why you’re in the minority”
Comment by low level Friday, May 2, 25 @ 3:02 pm
Good person. His efforts concerning the death penalty was government at its best. From this vantage point it was clear that he got screwed by his “friends”. RIP. Prayers for Homer and the rest of the family
Comment by Annon'in Friday, May 2, 25 @ 3:07 pm
Last Republican for whom I voted.
Comment by FGFM Friday, May 2, 25 @ 3:11 pm
“You guys wouldn’t believe how horrible this system is that I helped build!” - George Ryan
Republicans never care about anything until it happens to them.
Comment by Bob Friday, May 2, 25 @ 3:12 pm
ending the death penalty without reviewing each case. a terrible way to administer justice. and in the midst of his own troubles. not noble.
Comment by Amalia Friday, May 2, 25 @ 3:14 pm
==ending the death penalty without reviewing each case. a terrible way to administer justice. and in the midst of his own troubles. not noble.==
Whatever. State-administered murder is not noble. Abolishing it in Illinois is a great legacy.
Comment by charles in charge Friday, May 2, 25 @ 3:37 pm
I was proud to be appointed to a Commission while Ryan was SoS, so knew him passingly. He was a “courthouse” politician who sought to do good and did good in public service. He did not deserve the treatment given by the Feds that were making up law as they went along. His concern about the Death Penalty was admirable and should be his legacy.
Comment by old guy Friday, May 2, 25 @ 3:48 pm
I attended an Ani Difranco concert in the early 00s where she stopped the concert to thank Ryan for ending the death penalty. No mention of the other stuff though. RIP.
Comment by City Zen Friday, May 2, 25 @ 4:06 pm
As Secretary of State, Ryan was also responsible for lowering the legal limit for DUI to 08%. He had to beat the alcohol industry to do so.
Comment by anon2 Friday, May 2, 25 @ 4:23 pm
He vetoed the only anti-abortion bill that made it to his desk, directly addressing the cruelty of denying access to abortion care for low-income women. His veto was sustained. RIP.
Comment by Cosgrove Friday, May 2, 25 @ 4:23 pm