Ney quotes country music singer

Disgraced former Rep. Bob Ney didn't exactly break into song... But he did quote Garth Brooks in a farewell e-mail sent to friends today - the day before the convicted lawmaker is scheduled to report to prison:

And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance

Ney's e-mail, written in all lowercase with scattered punctuation, also contained his address at the federal prison in Morgantown, W.Va., where he will spend the next 30 months. He has been ordered to report to prison by 2 p.m. tomorrow.

"Someone asked me the other day, if I wish I had never ran for office," Ney wrote. "I answered that I am glad that I did. Nothing can erase the wonderful memories, thoughts, constituents, and changes that we, working together with the Republicans and Democrats, have been able to do."

Ney, 52, pleaded guilty last October of two felony counts for accepting gifts — free trips, including one to play golf in Scotland, gambling chips, meals and drinks, tickets to sporting events, and campaign contributions — from convicted former Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff and a foreign businessman in exchange for official favors.

"Would I change things if I could? Sure. Am I sorry for things that happened? Absolutely, and I will pay the price," Ney wrote.

Ney, who has requested that he be allowed to continue his alcohol rehabilitation program at the Morgantown prison, wrote in his e-mail that the "darkest days are not ahead" and that although Thursday means a "loss of freedom" for him, it also is a "day of enlightenment."