For Bryant, the end of a long, successful career

Already known for taking care of his district, Bryant was now in a position to steer even more money to his base. He used his influence to champion a 2002 bill that funneled $175 million into depressed Camden, which he has always called "my city" despite living in a mansion in Lawnside.

Critics say the move - and Bryant's attitude toward Camden in general - was more paternalistic than compassionate.

And while ostensibly helping others, Bryant also has gained the reputation of someone who helped himself.

For example, $1 million of the Camden bailout money went to a federal health-care center run by Mark Bryant. Bryant's own law firm, Zeller & Bryant, also got $270,000 to do redevelopment work for the city. And two schools that received a portion of the funds - Rutgers and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - ended up giving Bryant part-time jobs.

One of those jobs - with UMDNJ - would ultimately lead to his downfall.

Critics say Bryant yesterday got what he's had coming for a long time.

Clarence Still, who grew up in Lawnside and said he once had high hopes for Bryant, said the senator was driven solely by greed.

Said Still: "I can't think of anything Bryant has done that was not self-serving."