As members of the trial team involving former Governor George Ryan, we oppose the issuance of a Presidential pardon or commutation of his sentence. Governor Ryan was convicted of serious felonies after a six-month trial. The evidence revealed a pattern of corrupt conduct over a period of many years by Ryan during his tenure as both Secretary of State and Governor. Ryan betrayed the trust of the citizens of Illinois in advancing the interests of himself, his campaign fund and his associates over the interests of the taxpayers. Perhaps most significantly, his conduct had adverse tangible consequences to the public safety and welfare of its citizens. After his trial, Ryan received a fair and just sentence by a judge who heard all of the evidence in the case.

Like all citizens, we sympathize with Mr. Ryan’s family and the sad and unintended impact Ryan’s misconduct has had upon his family. Nonetheless, given the nature and circumstances of his offenses, as well as the applicable legal standards governing this extraordinary request, a pardon or commutation is simply not justified. Most notably, one of the principal factors in determining whether commutation is appropriate is whether the petitioner has demonstrated acceptance of responsibility, remorse and atonement. Yet, at no time, before, during or after his trial, has Ryan ever accepted responsibility for his conduct. When systemic, long-standing abuse of the public trust is coupled with a lack of remorse, it simply does not warrant the extraordinary act of a Presidential pardon or commutation. A pardon or commutation for George Ryan would send a message to Illinois taxpayers and public servants that the consequences for public corruption in Illinois are less severe and would further fuel cynicism of our important institutions. Under these circumstances, a pardon or commutation would be a true disservice to all citizens of this State and to the judicial process.

Patrick M. Collins

Joel R. Levin

Zachary T. Fardon

Former Assistant U.S. Attorneys

Editor's note: Below is an edited excerpt of a letter sent to Sen. Dick Durbin from a juror on the corruption case of former Gov. George Ryan.

My name is Kevin Rein, and I would like to express my opinion on the subject of an early release for George Ryan. I think it is important for you to remember that the case against George Ryan was brought by the United States, not brought by the people who don't like George Ryan nor by the Democrats nor by some radical, pro-death-penalty group. It surely was not brought by the State of Illinois. I believe it is important for you to understand that the crimes Mr. Ryan was charged with and then found guilty of violated not just the people of Illinois, but his crimes violated every citizen of this country who puts his or her faith in the elected officials who are entrusted to uphold the law.

Mr. Durbin, I would like you to know that if you decide to support the request to release Mr. Ryan early, it won't invalidate the hard work and sacrifice the jury put in. The jury did its job. We listened to the testimony and viewed the evidence, and we applied the law to what we saw and heard and then gave the verdict. Nothing will take away from what we did. But should you and Mr. Bush decide to release Mr. Ryan early, it will take away a little more of the faith that the average American has in this country.

Mr. Durbin, I would also ask you to explain the process by which you decide whom you are willing to recommend for a commutation. Is there a list you work off of? Is it that George is next in line? Is there anyone more deserving of your efforts?

Mr. Durbin, have you given thought to the time and effort put in by the U.S. attorney's office? Have you asked Mr. Fitzgerald or any of the prosecutors or federal agents involved in the case? What about asking Judge Pallmeyer if she was wrong to sentence Mr. Ryan to 6½ years in prison? Remember that the judge took into account many factors when she handed down her sentence. A sentence that was criticized for being too short. Mr. Durbin, have you asked Larry Warner what he thinks of Mr. Ryan spending less time in prison than he will have spent? Mr. Warner expressed sorrow for his acts. Mr. Ryan never has shown contrition. Never.

Mr. Durbin, you have said Mr. Ryan's good name has been damaged. Who did the damage? Mr. Ryan himself did it. Mr. Durbin, where was your concern for the good names of the jurors in the case? After the guilty verdict, Mr. Ryan's defense team chose to attack the good people of the jury.

Mr. Ryan has no regard for anyone else's good name. He cares only about himself.

Mr. Durbin, please do the right thing.

Thank you,

Kevin Rein