Our Republican pick for governor: Jim Ryan
Illinois needs a governor with innovative problem-solving skills, impeccable ethics and the courage to stand up to the bullies who have controlled Springfield for too many years.
Over the years, we have used those very words - innovative, impeccable and courageous - to describe one of the candidates in the seven-way race for the Republican nomination for governor. And we believe they continue to apply to former Attorney General Jim Ryan today.
He has sat out of the political arena for two terms following his 2002 loss to Rod Blagojevich for the governor's office. We have no doubt Illinois would be in better shape today if Ryan would have won. But we are not here to rehash the past. With incomprehensible debt, billions in unpaid obligations, corruption that has made the state a laughing stock and the worst economic downturn of modern times, we focus on the present and look to the future.
Ryan entered this race late, as a surprise to many who probably assumed he was happy to spend his days teaching a new generation of political hopefuls at Benedictine University's Center of Civic Leadership and Public Service. Ryan, however, says he felt compelled to get back into the game because he's angry about what he sees, particularly because too many of the young people he teaches are disillusioned by Illinois' political example.
While other candidates in this race speak in sound bites about holding the line on taxes or making politicians angry by refusing spending requests, Ryan takes a measured approach, saying the budget can be fixed by employing "patience, political courage and creativity." He opposes an income tax hike. But he also has not signed a strict anti-tax pledge.
The 63-year-old cancer survivor punctuates his answers with phrases like, "I will keep an open mind." That's something we don't hear from politicians very often. It speaks to our call for compromise, less partisanship and cooperation across party lines. It's the kind of thing we hear from people who want to achieve something for the good of the people, not for the good of their political career. It's refreshing.
Like the other candidates, Ryan backs the proposals of the Illinois Reform Commission and pledges to fight for the remaining measures if elected. The Elmhurst resident notes that a number of changes to the state's pension system are necessary. His highest priorities include job creation and establishing an advisory council on efficient government, which would start looking for waste by utilizing reports from a number of independent groups.
Ryan proved himself an outstanding administrator when he instituted efficiencies and closed a budget deficit when he assumed the attorney general's office in 1995. He also fought for truth in sentencing legislation and consumer protections.
The specter of the ill-advised prosecution in the murder of Jeanine Nicarico still hangs over him. Ryan has apologized and says it shook his confidence in the justice system. Ryan's personal connection provides a valuable perspective if lawmakers move forward with reforms needed before the death penalty moratorium can be lifted.
State Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale provides another alternative as a fair-minded, reasonable candidate. With an endorsement from mentor and former Gov. Jim Edgar, Dillard comes highly recommended. However, we prefer Ryan's proven experience tackling problems on an administrative, political and personal level. We hate to sound so cliché, but he's a fighter.
Ryan is endorsed.
Also seeking the nomination are commentator Dan Proft, entrepreneur Adam Andrzejewski, former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna, state Sen. Bill Brady and DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom.