Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., is "toying" with the idea of asking the president to commute the sentence of the former governor who is serving a 6 1/2 year sentence for racketerring. Ryan, a blight on the Republican Party in Illinois, was guilty of numerous illegal and unethical practices dating back to his time as Secretary of State. His crimes went beyond the lining of his pockets with illegal donations, they indirectly resulted in the death of six children in Wisconsin.
Ryan was convicted in 2006 after a decade of investigations and went to prison more than a year later. But after serving just over 12 months in prison, Durbin wants his sentence commuted.
In a Chicago Sun Times report Durbin said:
"Let's look at the price he's paid. His family name has been damaged. He is at an advanced moment in his life and been removed from his family. He has lost the economic security, which most people count on at his age. And he's separate from his wife at a time when she is in frail health. To say that he's paid a price for his wrongdoing, he certainly has. And the question is whether continued imprisonment is appropriate at this point."
Yet, Both the Sun Times and the Chicago Tribune report that Ryan has shown no remorse for his crimes. It can no longer be business as usual in Illinois. Corrupt officials must pay their dues and serve their sentences in prison.
One can argue that Ryan's corruption ended 25 years of Republican control of the governor's office and is the reason Illinois is now managed by the incompetent and equally corrupt Rod Blagojevich.
Illinois citizens would do well by shouting down Durbin's proposal and if they do not, hopefully Bush will show some sanity and keep a corrupt official behind bars.
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