In 1982, the Better Government Association released an
investigation of then-Speaker of the Illinois House George Ryan's attempt to
use his influence to protect a nursing home facing state charges. That
action enabled Ryan's Kankakee pharmacy to regain $60,000 in annual business
that had previously been lost to that facility.
Since that time, the BGA repeatedly investigated Ryan's fundraising
practices as Secretary of State throughout the 1990's. The BGA reported on
the massive amount of campaign dollars Ryan raised from entities he
regulated. In addition, the BGA and its media partners revealed the
inappropriate pressure brought by Ryan on his employees to raise money for
his campaign.
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