Ryan's attorneys were asking for a new trial on corruption charges based on what they considered flawed jury instructions. His case was heard by the Supreme Court in April and remanded for further consideration.
Ryan is serving a 6 1/2 year sentence at the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Jim Thompson, Ryan's friend and attorney, tells ABC7 that Ryan plans to "keep fighting." He says Ryan's son was disappointed by the ruling and headed to southern Indiana to see his father.