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Ryan loses bid to stay free, Supreme Court next
By Mike Robinson
Associated Press
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CHICAGO — George Ryan went to the nation’s highest court Wednesday with his fast-fading hopes of staying out of a windblown federal prison camp in Duluth, Minn., where inmates mop the floors and clean toilets.

The 73-year-old former governor is under orders to report next Wednesday to the camp where former Gov. Dan Walker did time in the 1980s and says he was regularly strip searched by guards even though “it was ... cold.’’

Ryan and co-defendant Larry Warner have been free on bond pending appeal of their April 2006 conviction for millions of dollars in fraud.

But the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday effectively canceled the bonds and said it was time to start serving the sentences.

“Although they would undoubtedly like to postpone the day of reckoning as long as they can, they have come to the end of the line as far as this court is concerned,’’ Judge Diane P. Wood said in her five-page opinion.

Ryan’s chief defense counsel, former Gov. James R. Thompson, immediately asked Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens for a new bond. The petition was addressed to Stevens, a Chicago native, because he is the justice who handles such matters arising in the Chicago appeals court.

The petition renewed Ryan’s claims that chaotic jury deliberations made it impossible for either of the two defendants to get a fair trial.

“No trial is perfect — to be sure. But perhaps no federal trial has ever been as deeply and fundamentally flawed as this one,’’ they said.

Getting a bond from the Supreme Court is a long shot, Thompson admitted.

“It hasn’t happened for the last 35 years, I don’t believe, but I’ve never seen a stronger case,’’ Thompson said. He was encouraged by appeals Judge Michael S. Kanne’s dissent, saying that the six-month trial before District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer was “riddled with errors.’’

Even if Stevens refuses to set bond, there is a chance that Ryan will be able to avoid serving time at the federal correctional institution in Duluth, Minn.

His attorneys are trying to get him reassigned to Oxford in central Wisconsin where other celebrity defendants from Chicago have served time.

Former U.S. Rep. Dan Rostenkowski, D-Ill., who did 17 months there, once joked wryly before a prison reform group about “my Oxford education.’’

But there are tougher places to serve time than Duluth.

“He’s not going to be doing hard time,’’ said Lyle Wildes, a convicted drug dealer who spent seven years of a 22-year sentence there.

Walker, however, said the 18 months he served for improprieties involving a savings and loan association long after he was governor were a nightmare.

“I certainly hope Gov. Ryan doesn’t have the same terrible experiences that I had there,’’ he said in a telephone interview from Baja, Calif., where he retreated after recent wildfires menaced his home.

‘The governor’s stick’

Walker said a kindly warden gave him a job as a clerk in the chapel. But he said the next warden decided to make life tough, forcing him to clean toilets and snare cigarette butts with a nail on the end of a stick.

It was known around the prison camp as “the governor’s stick.’’

“He would point to me and tell visitors, ‘That’s how we treat governors,’’’ Walker said. Between the strip searches and other humiliating treatment, Walker said, he thought every day for months of climbing to the top of the camp’s huge water tower “and jumping off into nothingness.’’

Ryan has waited quietly in Kankakee to find out his fate.

“We talk two or three times a week’’ by telephone, longtime close friend Arthur “Ron’’ Swanson, a former Republican state senator from Homer Glen, said in a telephone interview. Ryan had a family get-together at his Kankakee home on Sunday and has kept busy with yard work, he said.

And Swanson — a one-time paratrooper who jumped into the Philippines with the 11th Airborne Division, the “Airborne Angels,’’ in World War II — said that Ryan is far too tough to break under the pressure he faces.

“He’s a bull of a man,’’ said Swanson, who pleaded guilty to lying to a grand jury about lobbying activities in the Ryan era and got probation. The judge cited his advanced age, health and war record as the reasons.

Ryan’s critics say his situation is his own fault. They say his decision to declare a moratorium on the death penalty in Illinois and commute the sentences of those on death row was bogus, a stunt to win the hearts of jurors opposed to capital punishment.

“He’s going to be remembered as a corrupt old pol,’’ said attorney Joseph A. Power Jr., who represented the Rev. Scott Willis and his wife, Janet. Six of their children burned to death in an expressway disaster involving an unqualified truck driver believed to have bought his license.

Prosecutors have traced $170,000 in bribe money paid for licenses when Ryan was secretary of state to the Citizens for Ryan campaign fund.

But some of Ryan’s supporters who admire his leadership in the fight against capital punishment say the law has been too tough on him.

“You can imagine how excruciating the situation must be for him and his wife but he doesn’t show it,’’ said Rob Warden, director of the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern University’s law school. He scoffed at the notion that Ryan was insincere in his actions on the death penalty.

“He believes it from the bottom of his heart,’’ Warden said. He also said Ryan’s sentence should have been much shorter and that sending a 73-year-old man away for a 6 1/2-year sentence was unfair and cruel.

“What is to be gained by this?’’ Warden asked. “I just don’t see the point. It’s tragic.’’

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Reader comments on this story - 46 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

The Best wrote on Nov 1, 2007 5:36 PM:

" Gov. Ryan was the best Gov. IL has had in a long time and should be honored instead of persecuted. I am appalled by this political witch hunt and strongly believe he should be PARDONED. He greatly improved IL's technological infrastructure and issued a moratorium on the death penalty. How can we not overlook a few MINOR indiscretions? "

To Thacker wrote on Nov 1, 2007 3:41 PM:

" You must have been one of his LOYAL contributers that recieved one of those hefty state contracts. "

To To To Question wrote on Nov 1, 2007 2:51 PM:

" Clinton was not a serial sex offender. Cheating on your wife, at least in America for now, is not a criminal offense. You could call Clinton a serial adulterer. "

To: "to: to question" wrote on Nov 1, 2007 12:17 PM:

" He's only a serial offender if it's not consensual. "

To:Thacker to Pardon Me wrote on Nov 1, 2007 12:14 PM:

" "Together, we can see that this good man does not suffer needlessly." What exactly makes him a good man!? Help me to understand! "

A Friend wrote on Nov 1, 2007 12:10 PM:

" This article never mentions Clinton. Stick to the facts about Ryan. "

MJ wrote on Nov 1, 2007 11:56 AM:

" So Georgie might have to spend some time in the cold. Awww, too bad for him. But he's still alive to feel the temperature, which is more than we can say for some of the accident victims of the truck-licenses-for-bribes scheme. If the man had even a single ounce of integrity, he'd give up the appeals and report to prison right now. "

A Friend wrote on Nov 1, 2007 11:52 AM:

" Bush will never pardon or commute Ryan's sentence. Neither will the next president (whoever she is). The political ramifications would be too great, even for a lame duck. No, Georgie is going to serve out the whole thing (or more likely die there). Then he can wave to the Willis children from outside the pearly gates as he gets the bad news that he is not getting in. "

to: to question wrote on Nov 1, 2007 11:29 AM:

" Look up White water and you will know Clinton was a lier AND a crook. He just had plenty of people to cover it up. Besides, last time I looked, serial sex offender was a crime, too. "

I'v had it!!! wrote on Nov 1, 2007 11:08 AM:

" If I could convince my wife to leave this corrupt over taxed state, I would be gone tommorrow. As far as I'm concerned that's one sleezy attorney/politican down and a whole lot more to go. "

BN Republican wrote on Nov 1, 2007 10:34 AM:

" This guy is an embarrassment to the Republican Party and makes me ashamed to be a republican- much more so than George Bush ever could! What is it with this state- we can't get any decent statesman, just good old boy pols. Rod will join him in his fate. Not to impressed with Obama either- he has done NOTHING for the state , yet feels he is somehow qualified to be Pres. "

TOO BAD SO SAD- wrote on Nov 1, 2007 9:21 AM:

" In today's prison system I don't think Georgie or anybody will have access to a " Governors stick ". I hope he thinks about his better days of vacationing around the world and acting as the big man when he is in prison. $170,000 in traceable bribe money just think how much money wasn't traced. Justice will be finally served. "

ONLY IN AMERICA- wrote on Nov 1, 2007 9:06 AM:

" Finally his day's are about to begin- Liberalist Rob Warden just doesn't get it. Sir what you don't understand is it was cruel and unfair is what Ryan did to the people of Illinois. Ryan should have thought of this when he was taking peoples money and vacationing in other countries living the Playboy life of crime, corruption and power !! I have never known anyone more qualified to be in prison. He should be sent to Pontiac prison instead of the country club place. Those poor children who burned to death because someone " bought their license " can now rest in peace. As far as ole George Ryan is concerned - HAVE FUN AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS "

We should wrote on Nov 1, 2007 9:01 AM:

" Wait until Hillary is in the White House, it will be easier to get a pardon. "

TO Why Not? wrote on Nov 1, 2007 8:46 AM:

" Why would you want to give the fine money to the state? Gov. Rod would just blow that on himself. Why not give to the families of people killed or injured by those who bribed for licenses? Those people are the real victims in all of this. George Ryan, if you a prosecutor really want to push legal boundaries, could have charged him with involuntary manslaughter as result of the bribes for licenses scandal. "

Thacker to Pardon Me wrote on Nov 1, 2007 8:37 AM:

" Actually, it is not likely that President Bush will pardon Governor Ryan until after the November 2008 elections. It is our hope that the Governor will have to serve no more than one year in prison (from now until this time next year). Also, if he gets a full pardon, rather than a sentence commutation, it will aid him in getting his pension restored. Thank you to all who have written the White House and I encourage others to do the same. Together, we can see that this good man does not suffer needlessly. "

Bi-partisanship wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:48 AM:

" It is so nice to see both democrats and republicans agree on something. Thank you crook Ryan for bring us all together rejoicing in your lockup. I think Blago may be following the same path. But, can we keep this unity very long? "

Tally wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:37 AM:

" I can't wait for hot rod to be indited next. This will be gov #??? going to jail for Illinois? We must hold the record for most convicted gov's by a state. Walker, Harry Blackman, Ryan, Rod???, and the list goes on and on..... "

A guy who is wrote on Nov 1, 2007 6:45 AM:

" starting to move up on the " co-conspirators " list is none other than his lead attorney " Big Jim Thompson " . Just another politician condoning the actions of a cohort ! "

Gary wrote on Nov 1, 2007 6:26 AM:

" Maybe Rod will fly him to jail in his helicopter. "

to pardon me thacker wrote on Nov 1, 2007 6:05 AM:

" Hilary isnt going to be able to pardon herself out of the soupline after the flopping she did during the debates the other nitght. Repeat after me President Thompson. "

Well George~~ wrote on Nov 1, 2007 12:45 AM:

" you talked bad about your constituents and now they can talk bad about you! Better take mamma shopping for an extra blanket because your butt won't be there to keep her warm this winter! As for Thacker, why would you want to pardon someone as deceitful as this man? This man took advantage of people and took gratuities and never batted an eye while doing it. He is no better than the rest of them, let him rot and find out what it feels like. Now if he was up for the death penalty, I would let him off, like he did all the rest, but that is not the case. I agree about saving a bunk for "Pretty boy" if you can stand the hairspray!!! "

Candy wrote on Oct 31, 2007 10:48 PM:

" At last the scum bag is going to jail all I can say its about time he was behine bars and I hope he will be there for the rest of his days. "

Pardon me, Thacker wrote on Oct 31, 2007 10:17 PM:

" I refuse to write, but you go right ahead. You better hurry. Your boy George has fewer than 450 days left. Then Hillary will be doing the pardoning. "

A Friend wrote on Oct 31, 2007 8:54 PM:

" Well said JD. I agree with you. I can't believe it, but I do. Thank you. I really mean it. "

Thacker wrote on Oct 31, 2007 8:45 PM:

" Please write to President George W. Bush, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20003 and ask him to give Governor Ryan a full and unconditional pardon. Thank you. "

To: question wrote on Oct 31, 2007 7:19 PM:

" A liar and a crook are two different things. Look it up. "

state worker wrote on Oct 31, 2007 7:12 PM:

" It doesn't matter if it is min med or max security you still have to do strip searches. Thats what you get for commuting the death row sentences. "

orval wrote on Oct 31, 2007 7:02 PM:

" lock the crook up and throw away the key "

JD wrote on Oct 31, 2007 6:19 PM:

" If this had been a regular joe, he would have been in prison after the first trial, and doing his appeals from there. It is sad that the justice system has a multi-tiered perspective where 1% of the population gets treated more special than the other 99%. "

question wrote on Oct 31, 2007 6:11 PM:

" Who says Clinton is not a crook? Just because you are not charged doesn't mean you aren't and a lot of people say he is with proof. And if you lie to the American people I think that is being a crook. He held his little crooked finger up and told us a big lie. And then he did it under oath. Which is really crooked. But that isn't the only thing. He did plenty. Some just refuse to ignore it. Like smoking marijuana for instance. Back then it was unlawful. And that isn't even the beginning. "

David Spade here wrote on Oct 31, 2007 5:31 PM:

" Buh-bye! "

Who's the bum wrote on Oct 31, 2007 5:04 PM:

" I recall when Former President Clinton was having his problems Gov. Ryan said in a new conference when asked about what he thought about Clinton and he said something like "he's a bum". Well, he may of been that but he was not crook. "

it's about time wrote on Oct 31, 2007 4:47 PM:

" I agree with chicken bone......why next week? He should already have been there. "

Lizzy wrote on Oct 31, 2007 3:26 PM:

" Beautiful. "

NA NA NA NA wrote on Oct 31, 2007 3:22 PM:

" Say good bye !! "

A Friend wrote on Oct 31, 2007 2:33 PM:

" It is about time. I'm going to do the dance of joy when he goes in. I'd go easier on him if he would only admit his guilt, but he won't. I fervently hope he never comes out. He is a disgrace. "

One Word: wrote on Oct 31, 2007 2:31 PM:

" Good "

Why not wrote on Oct 31, 2007 2:29 PM:

" He is not currently a danger to society; why not charge him a huge fine striping him of his wealth and give it to the state? Would it be a fitting punishment if he had to struggle like the rest of us? "

Question wrote on Oct 31, 2007 2:27 PM:

" Do they put republicans and democrats in the same cell together? If so, they should reserve a spot for Rod, he can't be far behind! "

Green Mile wrote on Oct 31, 2007 2:21 PM:

" Save a lower bunk for Rod if you can... "

It's wrote on Oct 31, 2007 2:13 PM:

" about time he started serving his prison sentence! Hopefully he will spend his last days behind bars where he deserves to be. "

RE: HAHAHA!!!!! wrote on Oct 31, 2007 2:09 PM:

" I agree with your ill wishes towards the crook, but seriously, there is no way anything negative will happen to this guy. He's going to be well protected in a plush prison. He should have left the country, like Pollanski, and stayed there with all of the kick-back money he received. "

Chicken Bone wrote on Oct 31, 2007 2:01 PM:

" Why next week? Why not this afternoon? "

Sorry, no time for that wrote on Oct 31, 2007 1:47 PM:

" He's suddenly been admitted into intensive care in Geneva or Vienna for the next 20 years. "

HAHAHA!!!!! wrote on Oct 31, 2007 1:44 PM:

" You deserve to be in the pokey till you are carried out. "
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