Chicago ? While the news media riveted attention on his scandal-plagued successor, former Illinois Gov. George Ryan apologized Friday for crimes in office that landed him in federal prison, saying he had given “less than my best” as a public official.

“I want to make things right in my heart with God, with my family and with those I have hurt,” Ryan said in a statement released by his attorneys. “As a former public official, a husband, a father and a grandfather, I apologize.”

The statement is to be sent to President George Bush as an addition to the petition for clemency filed weeks ago. Presidents customarily commute some sentences and issue some pardons as they leave office.

Ryan is hoping Bush will commute his sentence to time served.