Ryan verdict could figure in 2006 election

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 eth