The state of Illinois didn't get cheated out of anything. Providing benefits to supporters is part of politics and is not a crime.

Is George Ryan perfect? No. He's grown up in the rough-and-tumble world of politics in Illinois, and he's not perfect.

The state of Illinois had $17 million to spend, with requests for $67 million,

We've come a long, long way. We haven't killed a coal miner in a state of Illinois coal mine for two consecutive years.

Our party is a diverse one, as is my home state of Illinois.

Illinois has always been proactive in mine safety and it is very important that we as a state continue to look at new procedures ... to ensure our miners are as safe as they can be.