CEO of Children's Memorial Hospital Testifies in Rod Blagojevich Trial

Magoon testified that Rod Blagojevich, who had the sole power to give Children's Memorial Hospital more money, called him Oct. 17, 2008, to say the state would give his hospital $10 million to help pay for pediatric doctors.

But then he told Magoon not to say anything public until after Jan. 1, 2009. That's when new ethics legislation would be in effect barring people who do business with the state from giving campaign donations.

Six days or so after the October phone call, Magoon got a call from Robert Blagojevich asking for $25,000 contribution for his brother.

"To receive a call within five or six days from his brother ... caused me great concern," Magoon said. "But what caused me the greatest concern was that the governor had the sole power," to release the money that would help pay for pediatric doctors who treat children at the hospital.

http://blogs.suntimes.com/blago/