More Congressmen Rip Ryan Clemency Push

Congresswoman-elect Debbie Halvorson (D-Crete) and U.S. Reps. Judy Biggert (R-13th) and Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd) said they oppose commuting former Gov. George Ryan's prison sentence.

Ryan is a year into a 6 1 / 2 -year sentence on federal corruption charges. After Ryan's wife pleaded with him to help her husband, Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin wrote to President Bush to ask him to let Ryan go free. Durbin has acknowledged an "overwhelmingly negative" outcry against clemency for Ryan.

Biggert spokesman Zachary Cikanek said his boss has "no intention of adding her name to those requesting a pardon or commutation for the former governor."

"Congresswoman Biggert believes that presidential pardons or commutations are appropriate in instances where there has been a miscarriage of justice, and the facts do not support that conclusion in this case," he said.

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[Tinsdale]

Washington, DC. NewsWire.
Breaking

Senator Richard Durbin (D,IL) in the face of heavy opposition from fellow law makers, federal and state prosecuters and a majority of Illinois citizens has abandoned his campaign for clemency for former Illinois Governor George Ryan. Mr. Ryan was convicted for numerous counts of wrong- doing while Governor of that state.

Senator Durbin is now requesting clemency for Mr. O.J. Simpson. Senator Durbin's spokesperson, Ima Flak., released a brief comment stating that the Senator will campaign vigorously for Mr. Simpson's pardon by President Bush and for his immediate release. The comment also noted that "a grave injustice has been done". The statement included Durbin' s comment that "OJ was a heckuva balll player and a hella funny guy in the "Naked Gun" movies. For those reasons alone, he should go free."

Former Governor Ryan and his family were unable to be reached for comment