george homer ryan, sr. (born february 24 1934) is an american politician. he is a republican. he was the former governor of illinois. he is a member for the united states republican party. his political career was tarnished due to scandals and corruption: ryan was found guilty on almost all charges and sent to prison. he was released in 2013. ryan was illinois' governor beginning 1999 until 2003. he is listed as federal inmate number 16627-424, and was scheduled july 4, 2013. he was released in june 2013.