Ryan verdict could figure in 2006 election

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SPRINGFIELD - Just as George Ryan was an issue in the 2002 campaign season, the now-convicted former Republican governor could play a role in next November's balloting. Political observers say Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who ran on a platform of cleaning up government, is sure to use Monday's verdict to hammer on his Republican opponent, Judy Baar Topinka. Just the same, however, analysts say Topinka could use the jury's decision to put a spotlight on Blagojevich's own administration, which has faced scrutiny by federal investigators. &#8220The problems that Blagojevich has been having would lead him to not be too excited about the verdict,” said University of Illinois-Springfield political scientist Chris Mooney. &#8220It raises the issue of ethics in government again.” Blagojevich, a Chicago Democrat, and Topinka, the state treasurer, both canceled events Monday after news broke that a verdict in Ryan's corruption trial was imminent. Both issued statements, hoping to use the verdict to establish their credentials as reformers. &#8220Now that the jury has spoken, it's time for all of us to move forward with a renewed commitment to honoring the public's trust by upholding the highest standards of honesty and integrity in government,” said Topinka. Blagojevich said the jury's decision &#8220proves that government is supposed to exist for the good of the people, not the other way around, and certainly not for the personal enrichment of those who hold public office.” Those comments echoed federal prosecutors, who, at a news conference, had strong words for politicians who try to line their own pockets at the expense of taxpayers. &#8220Public officials have a duty of honest service - that is to serve the people, not their private interests,” said lead prosecutor Patrick Collins. &#8220I think people need to understand we won't be afraid to bring strong circumstantial cases into court,” said U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. Political scientists say a key question is whether the Ryan verdict further emboldens Fitzgerald to go after other top officials, such as Blagojevich or Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. &#8220Not only does this justify the prosecutors' work, but this frees up the investigators to be off and running with new energy,” said Mooney. &#8220I bet they're pumped down there at the U.S. attorneys office.” Federal investigators have sought information about the Blagojevich administration on a number of fronts, including hiring practices, state contracts and plum appointments to state boards. Blagojevich has pointed out that the federal probe hasn't resulted in any charges of wrongdoing. Political analyst Mike Lawrence of the Paul Simon Public Policy Center at Southern Illinois University said the 2006 election will be a referendum on whether voters believe Blagojevich kept his promise to be a reformer. &#8220I think he's going to try to continue to run as a reformer. The people of Illinois are going to have to decide whether he's been a reformer or whether he has not done the best job of stewardship,” said Lawrence. Kurt Erickson can be reached at kurt.Erickson@lee.net or (217) 782-1249.