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The George Ryan dilemma

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Illinois
Durbin

* Mrs. Ryan should never have said this to the Sun-Times…

When asked if there were anything George Ryan would change, Lura Lynn Ryan said neither she nor her husband has any regrets.

“His conscience is as clear as his mind,” she said. “If he had it to do over — and I’ve heard him say this — he would govern the same way as he did before. All he wanted to do was help people and I think he’s done that.”

* I had a long talk with former Gov. Jim Thompson several months ago about Ryan’s refusal to explicitly apologize for what he did wrong. Thompson seemed surprised that this was even an issue for myself and others. But Ryan’s recent petition to President Bush asking for a pardon included these contrite words…

I have devoted most of my adult life to public service and to trying to make life better for the people of Illinois. And I think I did many good things in public office, and I am proud of those accomplishments. But I accept the verdict against me, and I apologize to the people of Illinois for my conduct. There is a deep shame for me in serving this 78-month sentence resulting from my public corruption conviction.

My failings have brought humiliation upon my family, cost me my reputation and name, brought financial ruin to me and my wife, and worst of all, caused me to be away from Lura Lynn when, in our twilight years, she needs me most.

My heart is heavy knowing that I have hurt the public, my family, and my friends in failing to keep their trust. I failed them and for that I have profound remorse. [emphasis added]

Ryan’s latest statement is in direct contradiction to his wife’s comments to the Sun-Times. Mrs. Ryan may have provided us with a window into her husband’s real feelings, but I would rather not put this all on her head. She’s a spouse, and political spouses are infamous for defending their husbands/wives through thick and thin. It would’ve been far better if Ryan had made a completely contrite statement months ago to the public that he betrayed, rather than confine it to his pardon petition.

* Mark Brown’s open letter to Sen. Dick Durbin, who created a firestorm last week when he said he was thinking about asking President Bush to commute Ryan’s sentence, is quite good…

We are told that you are acting out of compassion, not so much for the sake of the former governor as for Ryan’s wife, Lura Lynn, with whom you have developed a friendly relationship over the years. Look, I’ve rarely met anybody around politics who doesn’t like Mrs. Ryan. It’s understandable to feel sorry for her.

But she and her family benefitted from her husband’s wrongdoing, and now they are sharing in the pain that every family must feel when their loved one goes to prison.

By singling out the Ryans for your concern, you are adding to the perception that the political class protects itself first and foremost.

I’ve long believed that politicians treat their accused colleagues a little too much like society in general used to treat drunken drivers, as if following the maxim: There but for the grace of God . . .

Frankly, though, I thought you were better than that.

* This is what Durbin said…

“His family name has been damaged,” Durbin said. “He has, at an advanced moment of his life, been removed from his family. He has lost the economic security which most people count on at his age. And he is separate from his wife at a time when she is in frail health. To say that he has paid a price for his wrongdoing, he certainly has. And the question is whether continued imprisonment is appropriate at this point.”

* Perhaps more than anything else, though, Gov. Blagojevich’s comments probably undermined Ryan’s hopes and put Durbin on the hot seat…

Gov. Blagojevich, who for years has blasted corruption under his predecessor, George Ryan, said Thursday “it would be a good decision” for President Bush to let the 74-year-old Ryan out of prison early.

“I always err on the side of compassion,” Blagojevich said during a Thanksgiving visit to the Chicago Christian Industrial League on the West Side. […]

“I think people make mistakes. George Ryan has paid a significant price for those mistakes. And if President Bush makes that decision, I think it would be a fine decision,” Blagojevich explained. “He’s a man well into his 70s. Mrs. Ryan is in her 70s and in frail health.

“So if the president makes that decision, I think it would be a good decision.”

He always errs on the side of compassion? Really? Is that what all those Rezko deals were about?

* Carol Marin explains…

In the campaign of 2002, the one in which Ryan did not dare run for a second term given the federal heat, Blagojevich was relentless in referencing the corruption and scandals in Ryan’s administration.

“Pay to play” — before it became the term of art to describe big Blago donors getting big contracts or board appointments — was a term he weaponized to use against Ryan and the Republicans who ran against him, including former Attorney General Jim Ryan (no relation) and former state Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka.

Now he sees his predecessor’s agony.

No doubt Ryan is suffering. And no doubt whatsoever that his wife, Lura Lynn, needs and wants her husband by her side. The scandal took just about everything away: his pension, his freedom, their savings, their life together. Blagojevich, who says he is convinced that the feds have nothing on him, sees a year in prison out of a sentence of 6½ as quite enough.

You can understand why.

Thoughts?

* Related…

* Blagojevich wants commutation for Ryan

* Durbin shouldn’t ask for reduction in Ryan’s sentence

* Don’t let Ryan go, pols say

* Keep George Ryan in jail

* Ryan doesn’t deserve pardon request

* George Ryan should finish his sentence

* No get-out-of-jail card for unrepentant Ryan

* Clemency for Ryan? I have a better idea

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:05 am

Comments

Already called Durbin’s office last week. This is a bad idea, and is an insult to the State of Illinois residents.

Too bad to Ryan’s wife, but her husband is a crook and should do the time.

I voted for Durbin, but would not have if he had floated this baloney BEFORE the election. Shows a total lack of understanding what a train wreck Ryan was for the State.

Durbin must love the fact that Blago has jumped on the commutation train. With friends like that who needs enemies?

Comment by How Ironic Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:24 am
lost his name, family suffers financially, away from loved ones when they need him

Can this not be said about 90% of prisoners? Especially politicians and white collar criminals?

That is WHY you ought not to DO the crime - those bad things that happen to YOU and YOUR loved ones.

As opposed to the bad things that you did to someone else’s loved ones.

And yes, I am quite certain Rod would like to set a precedent here….

Comment by Pat collins Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:29 am
I think the Chris Britt political “cartoon” was appropriate. The 6 reasons for not pardoning or commuting his sentence is the Willis children.

I too am deeply disappointed in Senator Durbin and will never vote for him again.

Ryan spent years avoid the trial and trying to keep himself out of jail. Had he been tried earlier he would be out of prison by now. He needs to serve his time.

Comment by lifer Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:32 am
Is there a reason the new President can not commute Ryan’s sentence?

Comment by It's 5 O'clock somewhere Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:34 am
Mrs Ryan really did a number on his case. My wife was outraged when she heard it on the radio.

He’s got to convince Illinois he’s really sorry for what he did before many people are going to support a pardon.

Comment by Bill Baar Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:35 am
5 O’Clock,

No reason other than this president has more common sense in his pinkie than his predecessor has in his whole body. Ain’t likely to happen.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:36 am
I feel sorry for the Ryan family, but would this even be a noticed issue if a non-politically connected George Ryan had stolen $1,000 from his employer and got busted for drugs? If he gets pardoned, will all elderly prisoners (with lesser or non-violent convictions) with spouses having health problems also be pardoned?

Comment by zatoichi Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:42 am
Blago’s statement about Ryan going free is an announcement that he is not running again and establishing a case to get out of jail early himself. There is nothing politically to be gained but there may be a punitive benefit.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:43 am
If Durbin thought this idea needed some public vetting, he should have raised this issue during the election.

And why Durbin is even involving himself in this mess is beyond me. What does he have to gain by Bush pardoning Ryan? Ryan has to have insiders within the Republican party that can approach Bush’s people to get on the end of the term pardon list.

Why is Durbin even involved with this?

Comment by Leroy Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:46 am
And another thing…with the economy in shambles, and corporate officers robbing us blind, do we really need the senior senator from Illinois going soft on white collar crimes?

Or is this just a ruling class thing?

Comment by Leroy Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:49 am
I contacted Durbin’s office, too, to let him know he lost another vote next time. The senator confirmed the persistence of the country club atmospheres of Springfield and Washington. These types of “representatives” have got to go.

Comment by Lefty Lefty Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:51 am
Not in defense of Durbin, but GR has paid the price for his actions. He’s humiliated.

Britt and his clear skew are obvious everyday. He’s really overplays everything. I’ll never visit his glass house on top of the mountain.

GR and his are only doing what every inmate has the right to do, and that’s at least ask. And yes, it is a white collar crime. And he can’t get out and start up corruption again. In this case, prison did its job for the inmate. And all you liberals, isn’t that what prison is for, reform and rehab? It’s not like he just stepped into prison and now wants out.

Comment by BandCamp Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 11:04 am
I have never voted for Senator Durbin and most likely never will. However in this instance, I find myself agreeing with his statements. If the purpose of prison is to protect society from people committing a crime again, I am hard pressed to see what purpose is served by keeping George Ryan in prison. I do not believe he will ever be in a position again to engage in the criminal behavior which he did while Governor and Secretary of State. Senator Durbin is correct, he has been punished. Keeping him in jail will serve no further purpose. Putting white collar criminals in jail doesn’t serve any purpose, look at our current Governor, he hasn’t been deterred.

Comment by cardinals fan Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 11:07 am
Ryan’s ambition and greed caused the dramatic downfall that now tugs Durbin’s heartstrings.

And Mrs. Ryan’s full quote to the ST shows that she shares with her husband a sense of entitlement. Tsk-tsking the prison system for “wasting” his time is both astonishing and arrogant.

If her statement dooms his chances (and it should, for its amazing, relevatory candor), then once again, the tragedy will be of their own making.

Comment by Zora Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 11:07 am
I, too, was surprised by Durbin’s floating the trial balloon. I guess Ryan is the next big local questions for Obama, since he is someone who could soon actually do something about it.

George Ryan’s letter is very carefully crafted. He doesn’t admit guilt, but does apologize for his conduct, and for failing to keep the public trust. I have no idea what Mrs. Ryan was thinking with her statements.

I’m not going to be holding any candlelight vigils. Still, if he is a sick old man, I think the president should consider commutation, not a pardon, with the condition that he make a straightforward admission of guilt and apologize. Ryan played the game the way it was played when he came up. Like Rosty, he was too arrogant to see the rules had changed.

I don’t know that society gains anything by keeping him locked up. Punishment? He’s lost everything. Deterrence? This is Illinois. Revenge? That’s not what it’s all about. I think justice has been done here.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 11:14 am
lol, Blago always errs on the side of compassion. Where was the compassion for Pontiac, the IDOT jobs in Springfield, or the Drug abuse programs in Chicago. …Please.

Comment by Kevin Fanning Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 11:20 am
If George Ryan actually believes what his wife said, that his conscience is clear, then I’m sorry to be heartless, but he should sit and rot. Lots of other old people who are truly remorseful lack the notoriety to get even a whisper of a pardon or commutation.

I strongly suspect that LuraLynn’s statement was far more truthful than his lawyer written clemency petition.

George Ryan never got that his way of doing business all those years (and I’m going back to his almost indictment in the early 80s) was corrupt. He probably never will. If that’s true, he should do his time like every other unrepentant criminal.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 11:20 am
I believe prison should be used for rehabilitation, not revenge. In that light, I am not one to say that Ryan has to serve out his full sentence simply because it is an injustice if he does not. That being said, the fact that a presidential pardon is a possibility for Ryan is the problem. It is a sign that those with influence and power (albeit his is quite diminished at this point) have access to forms of recourse that others do not. And I know that technically anyone could be pardoned by the President, but we also know the Ryan’s of the world have a much better chance of getting that pardon.

I do not know if Ryan’s sentence had the possibility of parole, but if it does, that is the avenue that should be used to determine whether he should get out early. Not an extraordinary action by a lame duck president.

Comment by montrose Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 11:22 am
Durbin deserves some credit for raising the issue, testing the waters, etc.
However GRod’s “support” dooms the effort.
Let’s move on

Comment by Reddbyrd Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 11:28 am
…he was too arrogant to see the rules had changed…
The rules were changed after the acts by an over zealous federal prosecutor.
Ryan was denied a fair trial when the federal judge excused the jurors who were going to find Ryan not guilty and replaced them by pro-guilty alternates.
There was really no corroboration of the rats’ testimony. They were all just trying to save their own (or their illicit girlfriend’s) behinds. Cut George loose. He’s just a pathetic, ruined old man with a sick wife. Durbin is right on. He usually is.

Comment by Bill Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 11:35 am
Surprisingly, since I think Illinois state government is beyond corrupt, I find myself conflicted here. On the one hand, I think an elderly man who has, after all, performed some good service for the state, should be able to live out his elder years with his wife.

On the other hand, there are so many corrupt politicians in Illinois, aided by so many corrupt
cronies and relatives, that in the absence of examples of Ryan and Tony Rezko and such, what protection do we citizens have against rampant political corruption by those who see state coffers as a huge ATM. It won’t stop all of the legions of corrupt players, but Rezko’s and Ryan’s court and prison travails may stop a few of them.

In the interest of the citizens, I reluctantly conclude that Ryan should serve out his sentence.

Comment by Cassandra Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 11:35 am
So, to be sure I get this right, we should allow GR out of prison because.

- he is old
- possibly in poor health
- is humiliated
- his family needs him

These are compassionate reasons to release a prisoner. Will this also apply to all criminals, white collar, former elected officials?

It is important that he serve his term the same way that others do. In this world, I suspect that the norm is near 50% of the sentence.

Special treatment for the elite simply erodes confidence in the justice system.

If they release him now, it will be like the rules on the wall in Orwell’s Animal Farm story.

Comment by Plutocrat03 Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 12:17 pm
” … he can’t get out and start up corruption again.”

” … I do not believe he will ever be in a position again to engage in the criminal behavior … ”

if Ryan is sprung watch & learn while his next organized crime will be sicking Winston & Strawn on restoring his pension

Comment by BannedForLife Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 12:28 pm
But I accept the verdict against me, and I apologize to the people of Illinois for my conduct. There is a deep shame for me in serving this 78-month sentence resulting from my public corruption conviction.

This is sort of a non-apology.

I accept the verdict against me… This means he accepts the reality that the jury found him guilty, but it doesn’t quite say he agrees that the jury was correct in its judgment.

I apologize to the people of Illinois for my conduct…. Is he apologizing for not covering his mouth adequately when he sneezed? He’s not admitting to any specific wrongdoing; he’s not admitting to anything criminal.

There is a deep shame for me in serving this 78-month sentence… There’s a difference between feeling ashamed of being a convict and being ashamed of the conduct that resulted in the conviction.

Ryan’s apology isn’t quite an apology. It’s carefully chosen words to sound contrite while admitting nothing. Prior to the verdict this kind of wordsmithing is required by the legal system (if you aren’t planning to plead guilty). But after being convicted it tells you about the guy’s state of mind.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 12:32 pm
“He’s lost everything.”

George & Lura Lynn will never end up sharing a double in River Valley Supportive Living on East Court St.

Comment by BannedForLife Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 12:34 pm
I think there are some things we need to get straight.

1. George Ryan did not “enrich” himself at the expense of the taxpayers. Anyone who knows them knows the Ryans were never close to affluent, and now have virtually nothing. Some of his “friends” appear to have enriched themselves at his expense.

2. Without Presidential action,he won’t serve about 50% of his sentence, he will serve 85%.

3. He isn’t “possibly” ill, he is a 75 year old diabetic, with other health problems.

4. In the four years I worked (closely) for him, I saw a very decent, humble family man and I saw nothing even approaching corruption.

5. Unless you want to believe in fairies and that no SoS employees take bribes for their own benefit, then he is in no remote way responsible for the deaths of the Willis children.

Comment by steve schnorf Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 12:44 pm
–The rules were changed after the acts by an over zealous federal prosecutor.–

Actually, Bill, the rules I was referring to were those in which the U.S. Attorney would ignore corruption at the highest levels of government, pick off a few dumb aldermen who would take cash from strangers, and then move to a rainmaker’s position with a corner office at a LaSalle Street law firm.

Ryan was convicted and it was upheld on appeal. He had allegedly the best defense lawyer in the country working for free. If he wants out, a straightforward admission of guilt and apology is the bare minimum for consideration.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 12:49 pm
Bill

You really do amaze me. I would shoot down your insanity, but some statements that are obviously off base dont need to be refuted.

Comment by Speaking at Will Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 12:52 pm
I hate to disagree with Mr. Schnorf, but even if you do believe in fairies, there is still no way Ryan is responsible for the deaths of the Willis children.

There is no causal connection between anything he did and a part falling of the truck that the driver with a “purchased” CDL was driving, and it is grossly disrespectful to the memories of those children to use their deaths in a cheap lawyer’s trick to inflame the jury rather than win by presenting evidence and logical argument.

Comment by Anon Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 1:02 pm
Word,
I guess, according to you, that all USAs were corrupt or complicit with their eyes on bigger and better things until Super Fitz arrived to save the day. The man of steel who never lies and can do no wrong will smash the evil cabal, known as the combine, and fight wrong doing no matter what the personal cost.
Grow up!

Comment by Bill Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 1:09 pm
…and as for you Speaking I would suggest chilling out for a while at your local state park…oh wait, never mind!

Comment by Bill Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 1:13 pm
Bill, don’t take my word for it. You can look it up.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 1:19 pm
steve schnorf-

If George Ryan didn’t enrich himself please explain how he didn’t access his bank accounts for years, and yet always had a wad of cash in his pocket?

Maybe he bought a money tree at the Duqouin fair?

Comment by How Ironic Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 1:19 pm
Durbin’s position on this is being blown way out of proportion. The Bush administration couldn’t care less what the Senate Democratic Majority Leader has to say on this issue. I’m sure that Ryan is using a better messenger than Durbin.

How many of those benefiting from Clinton’s last minute pardons ever expressed their remorse?

Comment by KenoMan Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 1:22 pm
I ABSOLUTELY disagree with giving Ryan the “Get out of Jail Free” Card.

A point that I haven’t heard from a lot of people.

Think about the prosecutors. If you are a hard working Justice Department attorney, and are bothered by political corruption, what would you think about this? (By the way, I’m not an attorney and don’t know of anyone in DOJ, so I have no ax to grind). Think of the folks working hard on the Blagojevich case. If you think to yourself, gee, I can work hard, do a great job, and get a conviction against Blagojevich. Oh, hell, he’ll just get a pardon. Never mind - I’ll just go get a beer instead of pouring over this deposition.

I think it is afront to the civil servants that are working hard against political corruption to just grant a pardon. It is hypocritical to expect these folks to work hard, and then in the next breath, give out a pardon.

Comment by trafficmatt Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 1:27 pm
“How Ironic”, there was NO evidence or testimony from anyone at his trial depicting Ryan receiving a bribe.

My thought is that he was receiving money from his campaign fund, like his predecessors had done. Nothing wrong with that so long as you pay income tax on it.

Comment by Penny C Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 1:50 pm
Thanks Senator Durbin for letting me know that you fall into the same league of self-serving political types as Rod Blagojevich and Big Jim Thompson. Earlier, I had my doubts because you seemed to be cut from a different cloth than Rod. But, it turns out that I was wrong and it took you telling me that politicians were above the law to make me realize that you are simply “more of the same”. I am grateful that you didn’t continue the charade.

Comment by Beowulf Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 1:57 pm
Penny C-

Or he just went out back each morning, and picked a wad of cash from his money tree. That’s more likely.

Comment by How Ironic Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 2:10 pm
Trafficmatt,
You’re sounding like wordslinger. Do you really think that they are all dedicated public servants interested in the public good? They are all on their way somewhere else, including SuperFitz.
Check out how many AUSAs actually retire from the job as opposed to those who leave to make millions or run for office or both. Collins is a prime example.

Comment by Bill Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 3:12 pm
Mr. Nyberg is right on: the statements from George Ryan are artful dodges and not contrite in the least. Like all criminals, he is truly sorry that he was convicted and put in jail. As his wife said, he thinks he did no wrong and would do it all the same again.

Mr. Schnorf is also right in that George Ryan is an affable guy- you couldn’t walk past him without his shaking your hand and getting a pat on the back. But that does not mean the jury was wrong, and he stands convicted of behavior that Mr. Schnorf did not see take place. Sorry to you and others from that era, but he really is a crook.

Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 3:25 pm
I have a longer comment on the “Durbin pulls trigger” thread, but one part bears repeating here: It is quite possible that Durbin requested a commutation to head off a pardon. The commutation keeps Ryan’s conviction intact.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 3:34 pm
How Ironic-

Don’t let facts get in the way of your money tree fantasies.

Comment by Penny C Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 5:33 pm
George Ryan directly helped Larry Warner rip off the taxpayers of this state while he was SOS and Gov. Go back and read some of the testimony from their trial! George Ryan was an active participant in the crime, not some fool taken andvantage of by his friends.

Comment by Leave a light on George Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 7:41 pm
Count me as another all for Ryan’s doing the time for the crime. Would any of this be news if ol’ George were still a pharmacist? a bus driver? a doctor? It pays to be a member of the club.

So Lura Lynn is distressed that hubby is old, sick, broke and in the slam. Gosh, maybe he should have considered this possibility before he betrayed his constituents.

It’s interesting that a member of a party that espouses harsh sentencing as a deterrent to crime should start talking about compassion when he finds his own keister in a sling.

Durbin has disappointed with his position on this. I’m not sure what his motive is. Or maybe he’s a bit more like a back-scratching member of the club than I thought.

Or he really is just sorry for the Ryans, in which case he should admit that anybody in George’s circumstance deserves the same consideration. And the move to pre-empt a full pardon? I don’t buy it. Nobody really believes ol’ George has a shot at that. We all know King George’s mantra of “compassionate conservatism” is a crock.

Comment by babs60645 Monday, Dec 1, 08 @ 10:37 pm