Attorney General Madigan Speaks Out Against Ryan Clemency

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan joined the chorus of politicians opposing clemency for jailed former Governor George Ryan Wednesday.

Madigan donned her prosecutor's cap in breaking with fellow Democrat, Senator Dick Durbin, whose letter to President Bush urging clemency for Ryan ignited the debate.

From the Tribune's account:

"I respect the work that Sen. Durbin has done for the people of the state of Illinois, but I think he's wrong to seek a commutation for former Gov. Ryan's sentence," Madigan said. "As a prosecutor, we look at the impact that crimes have on victims and in this case, (the victims are) the six Willis children (and) the 13 million people of the state of Illinois."

Madigan acknowledged concerns about the health of Ryan's wife, Lura Lynn, but said Ryan should have realized both he and his family would suffer because of his crimes.

"His case was prosecuted and he was sentenced to a term of six-and-a-half years and he should serve his term," Madigan said. "As a consequence of committing a crime and being convicted and sentenced, you as well as your family are going to suffer hardship, are going to suffer pain."

Read more about the Ryan clemency debate.

Comments

[youknowwhat]

For Bush, I think it's just a matter of if he's a Democrat or Republican.

[johnnygoodwud]

if durbin gets him out, i will NEVER vote for durbin again.

[sasidechick]

I agree. He's a nice guy or his wife is sick doesn't cut it.

[mnyobpres]

A crimes is a crime is a crime...fa­ce the music.