Illinois’ top lawyer is hailing a decision to strip the former governor of his pension.
Chicago Public Radio’s Shawn Allee reports.
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Former Illinois Governor George Ryan started his political career decades before he became secretary of state or governor.
He was convicted for racketeering during his last terms in office, but a judge ruled he should be stripped of all of his state pension money.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan says the decision makes sense.
Madigan: The idea behind the forfeiture provision was to prevent people from engaging in criminal conduct. It really was intended to have a deterrent effect. You know, hopefully it will serve as a word of warning for others in public office should they ever think about engaging in criminal conduct.
But it’s not certain that message will be sent.
George Ryan’s legal team vows to fight the ruling.
That’s in addition to an appeal of the conviction that jeopardized George Ryan’s pension in the first place.
I’m Shawn Allee.
Chicago Public Radio.