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Illinois governor backs freeing Ryan

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is adding his voice to those calling for freedom for convicted former Gov. George Ryan.

Ryan has served a year of his 6½-year sentence for corruption charges. Blagojevich said Thursday that he'd like President Bush to show Ryan compassion by letting him out of prison early.

If Bush did commute Ryan's sentence, the former governor's conviction would stand and he would still lose his state pension.

Also Thursday, former Gov. Jim Thompson thanked Sen. Dick Durbin for backing the push for Ryan's freedom. Earlier this week, Durbin said he was considering asking Bush to commute Ryan's sentence.

Ryan's wife, Lura Lynn Ryan, says her husband has faced life in prison with a positive attitude, but jail has taken its toll on him.

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