But Ryan said these strange political bedfellows do not bother him because he remains convinced of his beliefs.
"To win an election is to make a solid contract with the people. It means I will put aside political expediency and do what I think is right," he said.
In March 2000, Ryan established a committee of lawyers and professionals to examine the success of the moratorium.
One of its more prominent members is attorney Scott Turow, a Harvard Law School graduate renowned for his legal novels. The committee will eventually report its findings and issue recommendations.
"Our only hope is to find the truth and nothing but the truth. Nobody will die in Illinois unless he is sure of his or her guilty," Ryan said.
The panel opened for audience questions, and Ryan was asked about his dialogues with Texas Gov. George W. Bush on the subject.
"I can't tell George Bush or any other governor how to run their state. I would resent it if he did it to me," he said.