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CHICAGO (AP) - The former chairman of a state board with power over multimillion-dollar plans for hospital construction testified Wednesday that he took "marching orders" from a political fundraiser on trial for fraud, attempted extortion and money laundering.
Thomas P. Beck, former leader of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, had warned prosecutors that if called to the stand he would refuse to testify, taking the Fifth Amendment. On Wednesday, a federal judge granted him immunity for anything he might say at the trial of Antoin "Tony" Rezko.
Beck testified that Rezko, a major fundraiser for Sen. Barack Obama and Gov. Rod Blagojevich, would tell him what he wanted before board meetings and that Beck would relay the word to other members.
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