George Ryan, Illinois’ Governor from 1999 to 2003 has passed away.
The one-term Republican died this morning, Friday, after a short stay in hospice.
Ryan’s career in politics was tainted by a corruption scandal during his time as Secretary of State, a criminal corruption conviction, after Ryan served as Governor, sent him to prison for more than 5 years.
Ryan’s lasting accomplishment while Governor will be placing a moratorium on using the state’s death penalty and commuting sentences for those on death row.
His longtime wife, Laura Lynn died while he was in prison.
Ryan was 91.
