Feb 22, 2006 10:47 pm US/Central
Lura Lynn Ryan Opens Up About Ordeal Of Trial
Not Sure What She'll Do If Her Husband Is Found Guilty
by Dana Kozlov
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
One constant throughout George Ryan's long trial has been his wife of 50 years, Lura Lynn.
Now, as the trial nears an end, Mrs. Ryan talked candidly with CBS 2's Dana Kozlov about the impact of the case and her husband's uncertain future.
When asked what she will do if her husband is found guilty, Lura Lynn Ryan replies, "Well, you know, I haven't really thought about it that much."
But former Gov. George Ryan's future is no longer a topic to be put on hold for his wife of 50 years. Closing arguments in Ryan's corruption trial could take palce next week, and Lura Lynn Ryan knows a verdict won't be far behind.
"I really don't know if he should be found guilty. I'm sure we'll lose heaven only know what all. But I'll survive. So will he," she said.
But that state's former first lady says she's confident that won't happen. In an interview with CBS 2, Mrs. Ryan wasn't allowed to discuss detail of her husband's case or trial. But she did say Ryan's decision not to testify was initiated by his family.
"It's totally different then what we thought. He can't tell his story on the witness stand. It would be an impossible task," she said.
Since Ryan's December 2003 indictment, Mrs. Ryan says they've taken things one day at a time. And she says she's not speaking out now to try and gain sympathy for her husband.
"Like I say, our conscience is clear. This is gonna come right down to just those people in the jury box that are gonna make this decision," she said.
Mrs. Ryan says she believes her husband's death penalty stance ultimately led to his indictment.
But an attorney present for the interview wouldn't let Mrs. Ryan elaborate, explaining that topic is off-limits in the courtroom.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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