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Former George Ryan Aide Wants To Have Lunch With Ex-Gov

CHICAGO (CBS) -- As he prepares to leave prison tomorrow for a Chicago halfway house, former Governor George Ryan is getting some unsolicited advice from a man who was once one of his top advisers.

Fawell On Making Adjustment

Scott Fawell served as chief of staff to Ryan and spent four and a half years in prison for his role in the corruption scandal that also ensnared his boss. When it comes to re-adjusting after prison, Fawell told WBBM Newsradio's Regine Schlesinger that attitude is everything.

"Obviously he is not going to be thrilled, but, you know what, the freedom certainly tastes a little sweeter than it did prior to going away," he said. "The reality is you take things for granted and life for granted."

Fawell hasn't seen nor talked to his former boss for some 10 years since each was in prison. He hopes Ryan won't hold a grudge for Fawell cutting a deal and testifying against him at trial. He says he did what he had to for his family.

"I had my wife and some time for her at stake and there's two young kids," he said

Fawell says once they're allowed to as ex-cons, he'd like to have lunch with Ryan

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