By AP/KWMU
Springfield, IL – Illinois Governor George Ryan's office says
it has no plans to sidestep the attorney general before making large land purchases in the administration's closing days.
The state is prepared to buy three properties near the state Capitol for $44 million. Officials say they need more
office space.
Officials also are close to paying $7 million for a historic house in Kendall County.
Attorney General Jim Ryan wrote the governor a letter indicating he wants to review property purchases of more than $1 million. His spokesman says it appears unusual to have such major purchases in the waning days of an administration.
Some of the proposed purchases could benefit friends of Governor Ryan. State officials say political considerations had nothing to do with the decision to purchase the buildings.