Today, former Republican Governor George Ryan of Illinois was convicted on all 22 counts in the "licenses for bribes" scandal. This was Patrick Fitgerald's case, and he brilliantly worked his way up the chain of conspirators for years to finally indict and try the top guy. For many of us here in Illinois, it is a great victory, for many innocent people were killed by bad truck drivers who got licenses by paying bribes for them (including a Minister's family of 6 children in a horrific accident). All for greed and power -trips to Cancun and many millions in contracts to friends. Sound familiar?
The parallels are obvious. Let us hope Fitzgerald, now on the trail of the conspirators in Washington, has an equally successful result in reaching to people at the top. He was methodical and relentless in building this case; I am elated today and hope for a similar result in Washington. Go Patrick!