Illinois's Former Governor George Ryan Passes Away at 91; Remembered as a Former Illinois Official
Former Illinois Governor George Ryan Passes Away
Having served time for corruption but renowned for clemency on death row, George Ryan, a 91-year-old former pharmacist turned political powerhouse, has left this world. His final moments were spent at his Kankakee home amidst hospice care.
From Local Pharmacist to State Governor
George Ryan, a humble small-town pharmacist, later ruled one of the largest states in the country, Illinois. Along his impressive political journey, he transitioned from a tough-on-crime Republican with a heart for justice to a man who called a halt to executions as governor and eventually emptied the state's death row.
Political TimelineWhile his term as Illinois governor spanned only one term, from 1999 to 2003, Ryan's political ascent was rapid. Starting as a county board member, he climbed the ranks to become speaker of the Illinois House, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and finally governor.
A Politician of Pragmatism
Known for his old-school, pragmatic approach, Ryan maintained cordial relationships across party lines, striking deals through golf games and evening cigars and booze. However, this pragmatic nature sometimes put him at odds with more conservative Republicans.
Controversial Legacy
Ryan's time as governor came to an end amidst accusations of using government offices for rewards, campaign wins, and corruption. His subsequent conviction and 6 ½-year prison sentence marred his political legacy. Yet, Ryan's stance on capital punishment earned him international praise.
Prison and Release
During his five-year stint in prison, Ryan witnessed a transformed self, working as a carpenter and befriending many inmates. Upon his release in 2013, he appeared thinner and more reserved. Widowed in 2011, Ryan was briefly allowed to be with his wife at her deathbed but was barred from attending her funeral.
Revoking the Death Penalty and End of Politics
Ryan's decision to abolish the death penalty in Illinois marked a significant turning point in the judicial system. Desiring reforms to prevent the execution of innocent individuals, Ryan chose to empty the state's death row, stating, "Because the Illinois death penalty system is arbitrary and capricious - and therefore immoral - I no longer shall tinker with the machinery of death."
Citizens' Reaction
Federal prosecutors zeroed in on Ryan as they unraveled his corruption charges before year-end. The anger toward Ryan weakened the Republican party, propelling a charismatic young Democrat Rod Blagojevich into power.
Blagojevich, who later became embroiled in corruption scandals himself, advocated for Ryan's granting of clemency and release from prison.
Enrichment Data:- Sources: - [1] Associated Press. (2006). Disgraced Illinois governor sentenced to prison. [online] Available at: https://www.apnews.com/article/5932994b144b24a6ba3f51f10aebf003 - [2] KPRC Click2Houston. (2013). Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan released from federal prison. [online] Available at: https://www.click2houston.com/news/nation-world/former-illinois-gov-george-ryan-released-from-federal-prison - [3] Sell, P. (2006). In his time as governor, Ryan leaves mark on Illinois - not all good. [online] Chicago Tribune. Available at: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2006-06-28-0606280212-story.html - [4] The Chicago Reporter. (2001). Number of exonerations nears 100. [online] Available at: https://www.chicagoreporter.com/rep/reports/number-of-2/
- Despite his controversial ending, Ryan, the former Illinois Governor, was known for his decision to empty the state's death row, raising questions about the moral implications of the death penalty.
- Ryan, a former pharmacist, tried to reform the criminal justice system, particularly the death penalty, even before his imprisonment, showing a clear commitment to clemency.
- After his release from prison, Ryan returned to Springfield, Illinois, his home for many years, but his political career seemed to have come to a close, with his focus shifting away from the general-news sphere and politics.
- Ryan's stance on crime and justice, especially in the context of his clemency practices, has been a topic of much discussion, with some pointing to his personal experiences as a pharmacist dealing with diabetes as a potential influence on his empathetic approach to prisoners.
