By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – An attorney for former Illinois Governor George Ryan argued Wednesday that Ryan should get at least part of his pension despite a conviction on federal racketeering charges.
The General Assembly Retirement System suspended Ryan's $197,000-a-year pension in September after Attorney General Lisa Madigan issued an opinion that state law required Ryan to forfeit all his pension.
Ryan was convicted on charges stemming from his time as secretary of state and governor -- from 1991 to 2003.
But Ryan's attorney -- another former governor, James Thompson -- argued Ryan should keep his pension from offices held held prior to that, which would amount to about $65,000 a year.
The retirement system's staff will consider Thompson's arguments and vote November 29th.