SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Former Gov. Bill Janklow (search) was released from jail Monday after serving 100 days for an accident that killed a motorcyclist and ended Janklow's career in Congress.
Carrying a large accordion file under one arm and a brown grocery bag in the other, the 64-year-old Janklow walked past a crowd of reporters and left in a sport utility vehicle.
"We love you, man!" family friend Matt Rost yelled.
A jury in Janklow's hometown of Flandreau convicted him in December of manslaughter (search) and reckless driving for ourt. His law license is suspended at least until that is resolved.
A judge also fined Janklow $5,750, ordered him to pay $5,000 for his incarceration and put him on probation for three years, during which he cannot drive.
A Republican who served four terms as governor, Janklow was elected to Congress in 2002.
Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead said Janklow was given no special treatment behind bars, except that he was kept away from other inmates who might want to seek revenge for his years as attorney general or governor.
The case ended Janklow's 30-year career as a hard-charging and fiercely outspoken politician.
Republican Larry Diedrich (search), a former state legislator, will meet Democrat Stephanie Herseth (search) in a June 1 special election to fill Janklow's House seat.
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