Former Congressman says goodbye before prison

Thursday, March 1, 2007  

On the eve of his 30-month prison sentence, former Rep. Bob Ney (R-Ohio) said good bye to friends and colleagues via e-mail.

Ney gave his inmate number, 28882-016, at the federal prison in Morgantown, West Virginia. "i will not have access to e mail so this will be my last for awhile," he said.

Ney pleaded guilty to accepting bribes from convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff in exchange for legislative favors for Abramoff's clients. "am i sorry for things that happened, absolutely, and i will pay the price," Ney wrote.

"the darkest days are not ahead, i have gained a higher power, the god of my understanding, is with all of us and that allows me to view tomorrow, although as a day of loss of freedom, as a day of enlightenment and of life to come," he added.

Ney underwent alcohol treatment before his guilty plea and will take part in a rehabilitation program in prison.

Get the Story:
Channeling Garth Brooks, Ney sends farewell e-mail (The Hill 3/1)
Crooked congressman says farewell (CNN Political Ticker 2/28)
Ney quotes country singer in last e-mail (Gannett News Service 2/28)

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