Topic: George Ryan

Patrick Fitzgerald, nemesis of Rod Blagojevich, steps down

US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald on Thursday ruled out two options for his next career move, saying he’s not wired to run for office and quipping, 'Can you see me as a defense attorney?'

Rod Blagojevich, second Illinois governor headed for prison (+video)

Rod Blagojevich got on a flight for Colorado Thursday morning. By this afternoon, Blagojevich will trade his Oxxford suit for prison khakis

Rod Blagojevich a substance abuser? He seeks treatment in prison.

Ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, ordered to report to US prison Feb. 16, seeks to enter a prison substance abuse program. It can shave a year off his time behind bars, but does he really have an abuse problem?

Harsh sentence for Rod Blagojevich: Did his fight reflexes cause him harm? (VIDEO)

Despite his apparent contrition in court, Rod Blagojevich wasted little time after sentencing before vowing 'to fight through adversity.' Legal experts suggest his boxer's instincts antagonized the judge.

Rod Blagojevich 14-year sentence a warning to corrupt politicians

Rod Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison, a decision some legal experts found harsh. But the judge said the sentence was meant to send a message – and not just to Rod Blagojevich. 

Rod Blagojevich sentencing: Does he deserve at least 15 years in prison?

Rod Blagojevich, former governor of Illinois, appears in court Tuesday for sentencing. Prosecutors are pushing for a 15- to 20-year sentence, and they have the upper hand, experts say. 

Rod Blagojevich should get 15 to 20 years: Prosecutors

Rod Blagojevich: In arguing for a sentence that would be one of the longest for corruption in Illinois' sordid political history, prosecutors said Blagojevich — convicted, among other things, of trying to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama — deserved more than two other figures now in prison.

Rod Blagojevich found guilty on 17 counts. Is it a turning point for Illinois?

In a retrial, Rod Blagojevich is convicted of corruption stemming from the sale of President Obama's seat in the US Senate. The former Illinois governor says he's 'stunned.'

Illinois death penalty abolished, state clears death row

Illinois death penalty: Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's signature on legislation getting rid of the death penalty provoked an extraordinary array of emotions Wednesday — almost all of them intense.

Illinois abolishes death penalty, will other Midwest states follow?

Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill to make Illinois the 16th state to abolish the death penalty. Questions about the fairness of the death penalty led to a state moratorium in 2000.

Chicago mayor: If not Rahm Emanuel, then who?

Rahm Emanuel is the most prominent name being batted around to replace outgoing Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. Here are six more potential contenders.

Rod Blagojevich was almost convicted by jury

Rod Blagojevich was one juror short of being convicted of a 'political corruption crime spree' that would have sent yet another former Illinois governor to prison.

Impeached ex-Illinois governor Blagojevich faces new charges

An expanded set of indictments in Rod Blagojevich’s corruption case involves 'honest services fraud' under a controversial federal law. It makes it easier for prosecutors, but the US Supreme Court may strike it down.

Blagojevich: Someone is lying, and it's totally not me

Kirk’s Senate bid a crusade against Illinois corruption

The Republican congressman and Afghan war veteran is a moderate who has worked across the aisle.

Blagojevich case: Will it seal Illinois' reputation as most corrupt state?

Ousted governor pleaded not guilty to federal charges on Tuesday, as political watchdogs tally cost of state's long history of graft and cronyism.

Blagojevich indictment outlines more pay-to-play schemes

Illinois' ex-governor asserts his innocence, saying he'll 'fight in the courts' to clear his name.

Blagojevich to Letterman: I'm glad you're not on the jury!

Blago compares himself to Christian Bale on Letterman

Corruption brings down a governor

As Illinois state senators decided his political fate, Blagojevich played the national media

Corruption winds through Illinois politics

Weak laws and entrenched culture lets officials put personal gain ahead of public service.

Blagojevich case is part of feds’ focus on graft

The FBI is probing some 2,500 public corruption cases – a 50 percent jump since 2003.

Feds arrest Illinois governor for corruption

Blagojevich ‘corruptly used his office,’ US says after a wiretap probe.

Illinois Governor accused of trying to sell Obama’s Senate seat