Yesterday's news sent shock waves across the nation and the state of Illinois.  The surprising big loser in all this?

George Ryan.

The former Governor of Illinois was angling for a pardon from outgoing President Bush.  And even though Democratic Senator Dick Durbin was pushing for the pardon - all bets are now off.

After yesterday, a Bush pardon of Ryan will be seen as condoning Illinois' culture of corruption.  That's not a characterization that GWB wants for his legacy.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

There's a groundswell of support for passing new legislation in Illinois to create a special election to fill the Senate seat.  The idea is being promoted by most leading Democrats in the state.  Think of it......the Democrats are calling for an election that they know they will quite possibly lose to a Republican candidate (if we don't screw it up).  The Illinois Democrat brand has taken a huge hit.  And there's more big names to possibly be ensnared in the scandal.  Knowing this, the Dems are willing to sacrifice the seat, to save the party.  

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Illinois Democrats are very scared.   Blagojevich, who has little love for most members of his own party, is now looking to save his hide.  Not only might he be willing to expose every other corruption in the state, he might also be willing to lie in the effort.  Blagojevich's statements (whether truthful or not) could end many political careers, overnight.

While the news was shocking, this is a dripping faucet.  The news and rumors will continue to drip out over the next few weeks and months.  Disappointing to the incoming Obama Administration is the fact that Tony Rezko's name will still be on everyone's lips on Inauguration day.