Durbin doubts Bush will help ex-Gov. Ryan

WASHINGTON - As President George W. Bush was set to leave office late Monday, it seemed former Gov. George Ryan's hope to be freed from jail would depart with him.

If a commutation of the disgraced governor's 61/2-year prison sentence is not granted, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin - who supports setting Ryan free - blames current Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was arrested last month on sweeping corruption charges.

Durbin said Monday Bush's legal aides had several questions about Blagojevich during a recent conversation that led him to believe the current political atmosphere makes mercy for Ryan improbable.

"I think it is highly unlikely," Durbin said, adding that he would be "very surprised" if Ryan's sentence was commuted.

Durbin said he also told the Bush staff that granting Ryan an early release would not be popular, something he knows from the overwhelmingly negative reaction to his request.

Incoming President Barack Obama has not taken a position on clemency for Ryan, but Durbin has said he would not ask his former Senate colleague to take that political risk.

Ryan, who has served just over one year in prison, has made a full-court press in recent months to try to persuade Bush to set him free before leaving office.

Bush's second term will expire as Barack Obama takes the oath of office today after 11 a.m.

Bush did grant commutations Monday to two border patrol guards who became a rallying point for conservatives after they were convicted of shooting an admitted drug smuggler in the buttocks as he tried to escape into Mexico.