FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 6, 2006

CONTACT: Jay Stewart - (312) 427-8330

Today George Ryan was unable to dodge the one thing he has avoided his entire career in public service: tangible punishment for the selfish and corrupt practices he unleashed upon the citizens of Illinois.

Ryan had a chance to bring some sense of closure to this disturbing and troubling chapter in Illinois history by admitting culpability for his crimes. Unfortunately, his seems fully prepared to press ahead with his ill considered appeal and continues living in denial.

Even his brief attempts at displaying remorse were directed at the harm caused by his being investigated and caught, not by the actions that led to it. Not once did he take responsibility for committing the crimes for which a jury of Illinois citizens convicted him.

Judge Pallmeyer’s sentence of 6 ½ years for our former Governor shows that nobody but perhaps the felon’s friends and legal team believes George’s “blame everyone but me” view of his corrupt political career.

The sentence reflects George Ryan’s inability, unwillingness and inflexibility in admitting any meaningful sorrow or remorse for his failings, illegal acts or misdeeds while in office. Ryan’s conduct as a public servant is a testament to the delusion, arrogance and self-centered nature that unfortunately inflicts all too many politicians here in Illinois. Ryan either never bothered to learn the rules of acceptable conduct, or, more likely, simply didn’t give a damn about them.

Although Ryan has expressed no apologies for the negative impact his criminal actions have had on his own life and those of family members, friends, employees, citizens and innocents, his sentencing will serve some useful purposes.

First, the sentence makes crystal clear to our current elected leaders that there are tangible negative consequences to the culture of corruption that still dominates far too much of our state and local government. Whistleblowers may be retaliated against, the press can be spun, and citizens can be lied to, but eventually there will be a price to be paid, behind bars.

Second, the sentence may serve as a deterrent to state and local public employees and officers who wish to avoid a similar fate. Once the Ryan scandal began to unfold, numerous Illinois politicians suddenly began to rail against public corruption after years or decades of silence on the subject. However, the Ryan trial demonstrates that political slogans and tactics do not amount to a valid legal defense. Actions speak louder than campaign promises.

After over 20 years of investigating, criticizing and suing George Ryan for his misdeeds in office, the BGA is satisfied that justice has finally been served.