Lobbyist Abramoff begins prison sentenceBy DAVID DISHNEAU and MATT APUZZO, Associated Press Writers
1 hour, 45 minutes ago
(Excerpt)
Shortly before dawn, he sent an e-mail to friends thanking them for standing by him. He then set out for prison, leaving behind a city shaken by his scandal. A congressman has admitted corruption, a Bush administration official was convicted of lying, Republicans were driven from office and several aides have pleaded guilty.
"This nightmare has gone on for almost three years so far and I expect we are not even half way through," Abramoff wrote.
He will serve a six-year sentence for a fraudulent Florida casino deal. He is awaiting sentencing in a Capitol Hill public corruption case in which he also is the star witness.
"Unfortunately, things are going to get worse (starting today no doubt) before they get better, but I am confident that ultimately the turmoil will subside and we will have our lives back," Abramoff wrote.
The message, described by Abramoff as "my last e-mail for a while," was provided to The Associated Press by one his correspondents, who asked to remain anonymous.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061115/ap_on_re_us/abramoff_prison_14