CHICAGO -- Gov. George Ryan's campaign committee and a former top aide pleaded innocent Tuesday to racketeering charges stemming from a federal investigation into a licenses-for-bribes scheme that operated when Ryan was secretary of state.

Scott Fawell, 44, Ryan's former campaign manager and chief of staff in the secretary of state's office, is accused of using state employees and money to do campaign work.

The plea on behalf of the campaign was entered by attorney Mark Flessner, who objected when federal prosecutor Patrick Collins suggested the law firm be removed from the case because of a conflict of interest.

The firm has represented Citizens for Ryan and the Illinois secretary of state's office.