Tagged: George Ryan

A federal court in Chicago has denied former Illinois Gov. George Ryan's appeal seeking his release from prison.

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a complex 16-page ruling Monday denying the 78-year-old Republican's appeal for release from the Indiana prison where he's serving a 6 1/2-year sentence for corruption.

The appeal was widely seen as Ryan's last chance to get out of prison early. He is due to be freed in mid-2013.

McCaskill to launch TV ads ahead of Aug. 7 primary

For months, Missouri's Republican U.S. Senate candidates have been campaigning by criticizing Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill. McCaskill has returned the fire during campaign events. Now McCaskill says she is launching TV ads individually targeting her potential Republican competitors - Congressman Todd Akin, former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman and businessman John Brunner.

Some reporting also via Amanda Vinicky, Illinois Public Radio

Updated 1:31 p.m. with statement from current Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn.

The man whose prosecutions helped put two Illinois Governors (George Ryan and then Rod Blagojevich) in prison has announced he's stepping down.

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Patrick Fitzgerald's office made the announcement today, effective June 30.  He's been in the position since 2001.