KWAME GETS OUT OF JAIL

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was released from jail Tuesday morning after serving a 99-day sentence on perjury, misconduct and obstruction of justice charges stemming from a sex scandal.

The 38-year-old, about 25 pounds lighter than when he entered jail at the end of October, left the downtown Detroit facility wearing a dark suit just after 12:30 a.m., reports the Associated Press.

On the sidewalk, Kilpatrick stood for a long moment amid TV cameras, a horde of reporters and swirling snowflakes, smiling occasionally to those in the crowd who called his name and shouted: "We love you, Kwame! Detroit loves you, baby!"

A number of men, several dressed in fedoras and long coats, then escorted Kilpatrick to a waiting blue Chevrolet Suburban. The Democrat waved from behind tinted windows as he was whisked away as part of a multi-vehicle caravan.

During an impromptu sidewalk news conference, Kilpatrick's defense attorney Willie E. Gary spoke to his client's state of mind: "[Kilpatrick's] not bitter. He said he learned a lot. He said this has been an experience he'll never forget, and he thinks because of it he'll be a better person."

Kilpatrick was due to meet with state probation officials before heading to a job interview Wednesday with an unnamed company at an undisclosed location in Texas. His wife, Carlita, and three young sons, already have left Michigan. A judge has ordered that he return by Feb. 9.

"The job prospect is very, very, very favorable," Gary told reporters. "We want to make sure he can get, and land, the job. That's his first thing. He wants a job. That's what he is concerned about now. He wants to get with his family, get with his kids so he can start his life again."

The next five years, though, will be spent on probation and paying off the bulk of $1 million in restitution to the city. He also has had his law license revoked.

GV Says: D*mn!