Ryan doesn't get Bush mercy

Imprisoned former Illinois Gov. George Ryan's best shot at an early release disappeared Tuesday as George Bush left the White House.

Bush ended his presidency without granting a commutation to Ryan, a prospect pushed by Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, the ex-governor's wife and his attorney, former Gov. Jim Thompson.

Reached at her Kankakee home, Lura Lynn Ryan declined to comment. Thompson didn't return phone calls seeking comment. A Durbin spokeswoman also declined to comment.

Patrick Collins, the former assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted George Ryan said he feels the decision was the right one.

"While I'm sure it was painful for the Ryan family, I think it was the right one for the long-term interests for the state of Illinois," said Collins. "I wish Mr. Ryan no ill will ... but given ... the basic lack of contrition ... (it) would have sent the wrong message."

Ryan's petition for clemency remains on the table for incoming President Barack Obama, who has not commented on whether he feels the governor convicted of corruption deserves to get out of prison early.

Obama representatives didn't return requests for comment.

Durbin said Monday that Bush's legal aides had several questions about the arrest of Gov. Rod Blagojevich during a recent conversation that led him to believe the current political climate killed Ryan's chances at a commutation.

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.

Ryan has served a little more than one year of a 61/2-year prison sentence.

Daily Herald Staff Writer Rob Olmstead contributed to this story.