GOP Leader Opposes Ryan Commutation, Criticizes Durbin

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna on Monday criticized the push to have President Bush commute the sentence of the state's former Republican governor, George Ryan.

In a statement issued in response to Sen. Dick Durbin's release of his letter to Bush on behalf of Ryan, McKenna said both Durbin and Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who expressed support for a Ryan commutation, impede "the difficult task of bringing change to Illinois."

The entire statement:

"This issue is not one of party, but of bringing real change to Illinois by the way we conduct business.

"My heart goes out to Mrs. Ryan and her family during this difficult time, however, Governor Ryan was convicted in federal court by a jury of his peers and all of his appeals, including one to the U.S. Supreme Court, were denied.

"A commutation of Governor Ryan's sentence sends the wrong message to not only those who betray the public trust but also to the honest, hardworking men and women of Illinois who expect public corruption will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

"Senator Durbin and Governor Blagojevich's line of thinking only contributes to the difficult task of bringing change to Illinois."

Comments

[redraspberry]

Me too. Won't vote for Durbin again. Ryan is from my area and has been a crook from the beginning. Taught by Ed McBroom.

[vanitea]

If Ryan wasn't in his 70's I might agree, but at his age it seems pointless. Also his conviction and sentence will serve as a reminder to those younger who serve the public. I'm proud of Senator Durbin's choice.

[Tinsdale]

Mr. Ryan began serving his sentence in November of 2007, about 1 year ago. There are some bowling leagues that last almost that long. What kind of reminder is that?

Now, Durbin, our freshly elected senator, who maintained his silence about his Ryan "Get Out Of Jail Free" card all through his recent campaign, suddenly pulls a fast one to spring a corrupt and arrogant criminal because he once had the title "Governor" in front of his name. A title he stained. by his crimes.

Durbin hid this parlor trick from the public because it is a political hot potato. He knows that potato will cool before he runs again. Durbin is a full blown member of the Good Ol' Boys Club. We can only wonder what other tricks he has up his sleeve to amaze and confound the people of Illinois.

[hcbuck]

Never thought I'd live to see the day, but I'm agreeing with the Republican.

[Tinsdale]

Ditto!