History of George Ryan in Timeline

George Ryan was an American politician who served as the 39th Governor of Illinois from 1999 to 2003. A Republican, he also held positions as Illinois Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor. His career was overshadowed by a later conviction on federal charges including racketeering, bribery, extortion, money laundering, and tax fraud, all related to his time in public office.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

February 24, 1934: George Ryan's Birth

On February 24, 1934, George Homer Ryan was born. He later became the 39th Governor of Illinois.

July 5, 1934: Lura Lynn Lowe's Birth

On July 5, 1934, Lura Lynn Lowe, who later became George Ryan's wife, was born.

1954: Ryan Drafted into U.S. Army

In 1954, Ryan was drafted into the U.S. Army and served a 13-month tour in Korea, working in a base pharmacy.

June 10, 1956: Ryan's Marriage to Lura Lynn Lowe

On June 10, 1956, Ryan married his high school sweetheart, Lura Lynn Lowe, whom he met in an English class.

1968: Ryan Joins Kankakee County Board

In 1968, Ryan began his political career by serving on the Kankakee County Board.

1972: Elected to Illinois House of Representatives

In 1972, Ryan was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives.

1973: End of Ryan's time on the Kankakee County Board

In 1973, Ryan concluded his time on the Kankakee County Board

1976: Ryan Elected House Minority Leader

In 1976, Ryan was elected House Minority Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives.

1980: Republicans Win House Majority

In 1980, Ryan led Republicans to win a 91-86 majority in the Illinois House.

January 1981: Ryan Elected Speaker

In January 1981, Ryan was elected Speaker of the Illinois House.

July 1981: Ryan Selected as Thompson's Running Mate

In July 1981, Ryan was selected by Governor James R. Thompson to be his running mate following the resignation of the lieutenant governor.

1981: Badinter Introduced Bill Abolishing Death Penalty in France

In 1981, Robert Badinter successfully introduced the bill abolishing the death penalty in France, later praising Ryan's decision to commute death sentences.

1982: Thompson/Ryan Ticket Wins Election

In 1982, the Thompson/Ryan ticket narrowly defeated the Democratic ticket in the election.

1986: Thompson and Ryan Reelected

In 1986, Thompson and Ryan were both reelected to their positions.

1990: Sale of Ryan's Pharmacies

In 1990, Ryan sold his family-run chain of pharmacies, which had grown from his father's original two drugstores.

1990: Ryan Elected Secretary of State of Illinois

In 1990, Ryan was elected Secretary of State of Illinois.

1994: Quinn's Failed Bid to Challenge Ryan

In 1994, State Treasurer Pat Quinn's bid to challenge Ryan in the general election for Secretary of State was unsuccessful.

August 30, 1997: Jim Edgar Announces Retirement

On August 30, 1997, Jim Edgar announced he would retire after his second term as governor of Illinois.

1998: Ryan Elected Governor of Illinois

In 1998, Ryan was elected governor of Illinois, narrowly defeating Glenn Poshard.

May 1999: Illinois FIRST Law Signed

In May 1999, the "Illinois FIRST" law, an acronym for "Fund for Infrastructure, Roads, Schools, and Transit", was signed, creating a $6.3 billion package for infrastructure projects.

January 31, 2000: Ryan Declares Moratorium on Death Penalty

On January 31, 2000, Ryan declared a moratorium on the state's death penalty.

2000: Ryan's Moratorium on Executions

In 2000, Ryan received national attention for his moratorium on executions in Illinois.

2000: Ryan Chairs Midwestern Governors Association

In 2000, Ryan served as a chair of the Midwestern Governors Association.

2001: Ryan Receives Mario Cuomo Act of Courage Award

In 2001, Ryan received the Mario Cuomo Act of Courage Award from Death Penalty Focus.

2002: Ryan Chooses Not to Run for Reelection

In 2002, Ryan chose not to run for reelection amidst a scandal.

January 11, 2003: Ryan Commutes Death Row Sentences

On January 11, 2003, just before leaving office, Ryan commuted the sentences of all 167 convicts on Illinois' death row to life terms and pardoned four inmates.

March 2003: Scott Fawell Convicted on Federal Charges

In March 2003, Scott Fawell, Ryan's former chief of staff and campaign manager, was convicted on federal charges of racketeering and fraud.

December 2003: Ryan Indicted on Federal Charges

In December 2003, Ryan and lobbyist Lawrence Warner were named in a 22-count federal indictment including racketeering, bribery, extortion, money laundering and tax fraud.

2003: Ryan Commutes Death Sentences

In 2003, Ryan commuted more than 160 death sentences to life sentences.

2003: Ryan Receives Rose Elizabeth Bird Commitment to Justice Award

In 2003, Ryan received the Rose Elizabeth Bird Commitment to Justice Award from Death Penalty Focus.

September 19, 2005: Ryan's Case Goes to Trial

On September 19, 2005, George Ryan's case went to trial on federal corruption charges.

November 2005: Cost of Ryan's Defense

By mid-November 2005, Ryan's defense, provided pro bono by Winston & Strawn, had cost the firm $10 million.

April 17, 2006: Ryan Found Guilty on All Counts

On April 17, 2006, the jury found Ryan and Warner guilty on all counts in the federal corruption trial.

September 6, 2006: Ryan sentenced to prison

On September 6, 2006, George Ryan was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for his conviction.

September 2006: Cost of Ryan's Defense

As of September 2006, estimates of the cost of Ryan's defense to the Winston & Strawn law firm ranged as high as $20 million.

January 4, 2007: Ryan ordered to go to prison

On January 4, 2007, Ryan was initially ordered to go to prison, but he was granted an appeal bond, which allowed him to remain free pending the outcome of his appeal.

August 21, 2007: Ryan's conviction affirmed

On August 21, 2007, the Court of Appeals of the Seventh Circuit affirmed George Ryan's conviction.

October 25, 2007: Review denied by Seventh Circuit

On October 25, 2007, a review of Ryan's conviction by the entire Seventh Circuit was denied.

November 7, 2007: Ryan reports to Federal Prison Camp

On November 7, 2007, George Ryan reported to the Federal Prison Camp in Oxford, Wisconsin, after the Supreme Court rejected an extension of his bail.

February 29, 2008: Ryan transferred to medium security facility

On February 29, 2008, Ryan was transferred to a medium security facility in Terre Haute, Indiana, after the facility in Oxford changed its level of medical care.

December 1, 2008: Durbin requests commutation of Ryan's sentence

On December 1, 2008, United States Senator Dick Durbin wrote a letter to then President George W. Bush requesting him to commute Ryan's sentence, citing Ryan's age and his wife's frail health.

February 19, 2010: Illinois Supreme Court rules on Ryan's pension

On February 19, 2010, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that state law mandates that none of the pension benefits should be paid to Ryan.

December 21, 2010: Ryan's request for early release denied

On December 21, 2010, U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer denied Ryan's request for early release from prison.

January 5, 2011: Ryan visits dying wife

On January 5, 2011, Ryan was taken from his prison cell in Terre Haute, Indiana, to a hospital in Kankakee to visit his dying wife.

June 27, 2011: Lura Lynn Ryan's Death

On June 27, 2011, Lura Lynn Ryan, George Ryan's wife, passed away.

January 30, 2013: Ryan released to halfway house, then home

On January 30, 2013, Ryan entered a Salvation Army halfway house in Chicago and was released back to his home in Kankakee less than three hours later.