Former Ill. gov gets 6 1/2 years in prison - AP

[helderheid]

By MIKE ROBINSON, Associated Press Writer 25 minutes ago

CHICAGO - Former Gov. George Ryan, who was acclaimed by capital punishment foes for suspending executions in Illinois and emptying out death row, was sentenced Wednesday to 6 1/2 years behind bars in the corruption scandal that ruined his political career.

"When they elected me as the governor of this state, they expected better, and I let 'em down and for that I apologize," the 72-year-old Republican said in court before hearing his sentence.

Federal prosecutors had asked for eight to 10 years in prison. Defense attorneys argued that even 2 1/2 years would deprive Ryan of the last healthy years of his life.

"Government leaders have an obligation to stand as the example. Mr. Ryan failed to meet that standard," U.S. District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer said.

Ryan and about a dozen members of his family stood stoically as Pallmeyer imposed the sentence. He said "involuntary separation" from his wife of 50 years, Lura Lynn, would be "excruciating."

"The jury's verdict speaks for itself in showing that I simply didn't do enough — should have been more vigilant, should have been more watchful, should have been a lot of things, I guess," Ryan said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060906/ap_on_re_us/governor_s_trial

[Donnachaidh]

1. WHY do we always have these lawyers pleading for leniency

due to age?

This man was breaking laws for YEARS. He shouldn't expect mercy, just because of age. Those physical ailments didn't keep him from going on Caribbean vacations.:sarcasm:

[rzemanfl]

2. Nonetheless, his approval rating in Illinois (35%) is higher than

*'s (32%).