Ex-Ill. Gov. Ryan loses pension rights

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan, imprisoned on federal corruption charges, is not entitled to his state pension, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled Friday.

Ryan is the third ex-Illinois governor to serve prison time. He was convicted in April 2006 of accepting cash, vacations and gifts from friends and lobbyists in return for state contracts.

Ryan, who earlier this week sought clemency from President Barack Obama, had been poised to start collecting $5,000 a month for his years on the Kankakee County Board and as a state legislator, secretary of state, lieutenant governor and then governor.

"George H. Ryan Sr. has clearly forfeited all of the pension benefits he earned from the General Assembly Retirement System. As the victims of Ryan's crimes, the taxpayers of the state of Illinois are under no obligation to now fund his retirement," Justice Robert R. Thomas wrote for the majority in the 6-1 decision.

In her dissent, Justice Anne Burke said Ryan should be able to collect part of his pension, covering his years as a legislator and lieutenant governor, although, she said, she understands the desire to punish him for his crimes.

Ryan, who suffers from Crohn's disease and diabetes, turns 76 next week. He is imprisoned in Terre Haute, Ind.