Governor Ryan gets bond pending appeal from Seventh Circuit

In a surprising decision that could be, practical speaking, as important as prevailing on appeal, former Illinois Governor George Ryan was granted bond pending appeal by the Seventh Circuit.  Details are available in news reports here and here.

The news articles highlight that this decision suggests, but does not conclusively show, that some judges on the Seventh Circuit may be troubled by some aspect of Ryan’s conviction.  What the articles do not fully discuss is the fact that Ryan, at age 72, should be especially grateful that he can now remain a free man during what likely will be an extended appellate process.

One article suggests that bond pending appeal is unusual, but I recall that Bernie Ebbers and a few other notable white collar offenders have received such bond.  I wonder if anyone has done any statistical analysis of this interesting (little?) issue.