CHICAGO, IL - Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says former imprisoned Gov. George Ryan should serve out the rest of his sentence.

On Monday a federal court denied an appeal filed by Ryan. The 78-year-old is nearing the end of a 6 1/2 -year sentence. He's due to be released next year.

Among other things, Ryan was convicted in 2006 of steering state contracts and leases to political insiders while secretary of state and then as governor, receiving vacations and gifts in return.

A ruling in his favor could have led to Ryan's release from prison. It was widely seen as his last chance to get out early.

At an unrelated event, Quinn said that the court has spoken and Ryan had his day in court.

He says Ryan has to "do the time."