George Ryan apologizes to people of Illinois

[City Lights]

Ryan apologizes to people of Illinois

December 12, 2008 at 6:48 PM

In a statement read by his attorney, convicted former Gov. George Ryan this afternoon said he felt guilty and offered a "truly heartfelt apology to the people of Illinois."

"I want to make things right in my heart with God, with my family and with those that I have hurt," said the statement, which was read by former Gov. Jim Thompson at a news conference held at Thompson's Chicago law offices.

The apology marks the first time Ryan, who is currently serving a 6 1/2 year sentence in federal prison, has publicly apologized for the actions that led to his 2006 conviction on corruption charges.

In the three-paragraph statement, Ryan, 74, specifically mentions Scott and Janet Willis, who lost six children in a fiery 1994 crash involving a truck whose driver obtained a license in exchange for a bribe to officials in Ryan's administration.

"I know that Reverend and Mrs. Willis have suffered...unimaginable pain and loss from the mistakes made in my administration, both by me and others on my watch," Ryan wrote. "My heart has and always will go out to the Willis family."

The statement does not specifically mention commutation of Ryan's sentence, but Thompson said it would be included with information sent to the U.S. Department of Justice arguing for Ryan's release. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin more than a week ago called on President George W. Bush to commute Ryan's sentence.

"I think he is a much-changed man," Thompson said.

--Steve Schmadeke

Link.

[Oceansaway]

1. maybe he wants his job back....Blago aint

gonna get to keep it....hahaha....fuck Ryan

[City Lights]

2. LOL!

Ryan's lookin' for a pardon from georgie boy, which I hope he doesn't get.

[mucifer]

3. no way he's gonna pardon a governor of IL

[City Lights]

4. I don't think he will either.

The timing of Ryan's apology makes me think that's what he's hoping for though.

[mucifer]

5. I think the timing couldn't be worse.

[Luciferous]

6. apology not accepted

let the corrupt bastard rot

[Buck Laser]

7. Despite his corruptiion I have high respect for Ryan.

He had the balls to empty the IL death row when it became evident that there had been so many convictions of innocent people. Doing that took a degree of courage that's not common in governors. It doesn't undo the culture of corruption that's existed in the office of the Secretary of State for years and years, but it makes me think a whole lot more kindly of him. I'd like to do some kind of short essay on how some politicians manage to accomplish significant things despite widespread corruption within their administrations. It shouldn't be so hard to find examples of others who've had this Jekyll/Hyde complex.