I spent thirty-five years in service to the people of Illinois. I began as chairman of the Kankakee County Board and ended as the governor. During that time, I was fortunate to have the support, help, dedication, loyalty, and professionalism of many people. The list is long, but I must give special recognition to the people that were the core of my work on the death penalty. They are: Roger Bickel, Matthew Bettenhausen, Dick Duchossois, Vicki Easley, Dianne Ford, Phil Gonet, John Kelly, Jeff Ladd, Bridgett Lamont, Tony Leone, Al Lerner, Jennifer Linzer, Andrea Lyon, Larry Marshall, Pam McDonough, Bob Newtson, Sam Panayotovich, Rich Parrillo, Pete Peters, George (Homer) Ryan Jr., Mike Segal, Jim Thompson, David Urbanek, Frank Valla, Rob Warden, Larry and Cindy Warner, and Dan Webb. I thank one and all for their hard work. I will always treasure what each provided to the mission.
I want to give special thanks to the people of Kankakee, my hometown. I am forever grateful to so many of you for your support and friendship.
I am thankful for the people at Winston and Strawn, especially Jim Thompson, who taught me how to be governor, and Dan Webb, along with his staff, for the excellent defense they provided on my behalf.
To my friend Andrea Lyon, thank you for your counsel, patience, and friendship.
To Dave Urbanek, thank you for your continued support, advice, research for this book, and your loyal friendship.
To University of Illinois law professor Francis Boyle, who nominated me for the Nobel Peace Prize six times, thank you for your continuing support and for honoring my work.
To my agent Regina Ryan, thank you for our newfound friendship and your support in getting me published.
To Maurice Possley, thank you for your wonderful insights and putting the right words in the right places to make this book a success.
And finally, I am grateful for the title of Uncle George from my nieces and nephews from the Dean Family, the Ryan Family, and the Ferguson Family. All my life they have been a steady source of love and support. Thank you all!