HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – Former Gov. John G. Rowland left prison Friday promising to become a better person, saying he was touched by the outpouring of support he received during his 10-month incarceration.

Rowland, a once-popular three-term Republican who resigned in July 2004 amid a corruption scandal, was released from a Pennsylvania federal prison camp Friday morning at 5:20 a.m. – two days before his scheduled release.

In a written statement provided by a longtime friend, Rowland said the last year has been difficult and predicted the next ones will be, as well. He said he has no particular plans and intends to spent time with his family and friends.

“Over the next few days, I will be spending some quiet time with my incredibly supportive wife, Patty,” Rowland said. “We will be home in a few days and ask that the media give us space and time to reconnect fully as a family as we plan the next phase of our lives.”

Rowland, 48, has three days to report to Connecticut probation officers, who will fit him with an electronic ankle bracelet and place him under house arrest for four months. He also must perform 300 hours of community service.

Rowland pleaded guilty in December 2004 to one count of conspiracy to steal honest services, a combination of mail and tax fraud. He admitted accepting more than $100,000 in vacations and chartered trips to Las Vegas from a state contractor and a jet company that received a state tax break.

As inmate No. 15623-014, Rowland wore khaki prison scrubs and was responsible for sweeping a prison stairwell. Fellow inmates nicknamed him “Guv” and gave him a special chair at mail call, friends said.

“I think that he is going to be a much stronger person after this experience,” said Brad Davis, a Hartford radio talk show host and friend. “I think he has a tremendous amount still to contribute.”

Rowland was once a rising star in the Republican party and was considered for a spot in President Bush’s cabinet. He said he had a lot of time to think in prison and realized he did not always recognize his blessings, especially his family and loved ones.

Rowland and his wife have five children from previous marriages. They rent a house in West Hartford.

“I understand I have hurt them, my friends, and the thousands of people who volunteered to help me and those that supported me over the years,” he said. “They trusted me and I let them down. I know that and it pains me.”

The statement was released through B. Jay Cooper, Rowland’s longtime friend and the former deputy press secretary for Presidents Reagan and George H. W. Bush.

Satellite trucks and reporters descended upon Rowland’s neighborhood Friday but there was no sign of the former governor. Neighbors heading to work slowed and gawked at the scene.

Though Rowland received a year-and-a-day sentence, inmates can be released for good behavior after serving about 80 percent of their sentences. Rowland was scheduled for release Sunday but prisoners are rarely released on weekends.

Rowland said he found “true grace” in prison, emotionally moved by the cards, letters and prayers he received. He said he was inspired by his fellow inmates, some of whom the former governor mentored in programs he started at the minimum security prison camp in job skills and dealing with substance abuse.

Rowland’s legal problems may be over but the investigation that drove him from office is not. Last month, Rowland was ordered to testify before a grand jury investigating public corruption in his administration. His co-chief of staff, Peter Ellef, and contractor William Tomasso are to be sentenced in April for bribery.

Friends have speculated that Rowland will work to revitalize Connecticut cities, become a Washington D.C. political consultant, campaign for prison reform, re-enter politics or become a motivational speaker. Rowland offered no hint about any long-term plans in his statement Friday.

“Actions speak louder than words and I am going to try to be a better person and show my family and friends and the people of Connecticut how truly sorry I am for letting them down,” he said.