In more than 25 years in public life, the Camden County Democrat rose to iconic status in Trenton and his home district, only to become the latest politician sullied by a corruption conviction.

Following the verdict, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie called Bryant's conduct "the most reprehensible" and "disgusting" he had seen.

"Wayne Bryant is a disgrace, and [he] is now a federal felon headed for prison, which is where he belongs," he said. "It is an absolute abomination that Wayne Bryant ever held a position of authority and prominence."

Bryant's conviction also could resonate loudly in the halls of power. His lawyers argued that not only were his actions legal, but they were common - the way politics gets done in New Jersey.

Despite those arguments and nine weeks of testimony to consider, the jurors returned their decision after only 13 hours of deliberations, over three days.

The jury also convicted Bryant's codefendant, R. Michael Gallagher, on six of the seven counts he faced.

Bryant was stoic as the verdicts were announced, and he declined to comment to reporters as security officers led him from the courtroom.

Bryant attorney Carl Poplar said his client handled the verdict "with dignity."

"The guy has a lot of dignity," he said.

The judge allowed Bryant and Gallagher to remain free on bond until sentencing, scheduled for March 20.

Bryant is 61, and the convictions most likely will close the book on his long career, which began with his election as a Camden County freeholder in 1980.

Bryant joined the state Assembly in 1982 and became a senator in 1995, eventually rising to chair the powerful Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

When he was indicted last year, he was the first sitting legislator to face federal charges in recent history. He did not run for reelection in 2007.

Bryant and Gallagher could face lengthy sentences - as much as 15 years, by the government's estimate.

The verdicts also served as the coda for Christie, who announced Monday that he would be resigning on Dec. 1.

Christie, a perennial GOP gubernatorial favorite, boasted yesterday of his record of 132 convictions of public officials, with no acquittals. He declined to discuss a possible run for governor.

"Have some patience and give me some time to make a reasoned, smart decision about my future," he said.

Christie, who has urged the public in his speeches to elect better leaders, characterized yesterday's verdicts as another sign that citizens have tired of "public officials ripping them off."

"They're tired of people like Wayne Bryant, who hide behind the offices they hold to enrich themselves," he said.