Edward Hospital took the news of Rod Blagojevich's indictment quietly Thursday, despite the fact it was CEO Pam Davis who started a chain of events contributing to the ousted governor's downfall.

Davis informed the FBI about attempts by Stuart Levine, a former member of the powerful Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, and two businessmen to extort the Naperville institution into signing contracts with their firms in order to build a hospital in Plainfield. In exchange for contracts, they guaranteed the project's approval.

The indictment states that Levine, a Blagojevich appointee, conspired with the ex-governor and others in a get-rich racketeering scheme.

During 2003 and 2004, Davis wore a wire to record conversations with Levine, who has since pleaded guilty to related charges and is cooperating with authorities.

"I had my suspicions early on that it was serious, widespread, deep corruption," she said earlier.

The board has rejected the Plainfield project three times.

"Edward is committed to bringing needed services to Plainfield and the surrounding area," was the only comment hospital spokesman Brian Davis had on Thursday's indictment.

After the scandal broke in 2004, Blagojevich appointed a new planning board, which has authority over building projects. But some wonder if it's integrity is compromised.

In January, Pam Davis said planning board members are "still being advised by people in place during the corruption."

Health board Executive Secretary Jeffrey Mark, however, said Thursday that "since the new board was named there has not been one iota of accusations of impropriety."

The state Senate Wednesday approved legislation that would earmark about $1 million to create a Center for Comprehensive Health Planning to assess health needs in the state and advise the planning board. The bill calls for increasing the number of board members from five to nine and paying each $65,000.

Senate sponsor Susan Garrett, a Lake Forest Democrat, called it a needed reform that means "the state can actually plan for the future when it comes to health care."

Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican, voted against the bill. "Clearly the Health Facilities Planning Board needs a housecleaning," he said, adding the $1 million cost added "insult to injury."

The planning board supports the policy but is recommending the executive secretary be retained. The legislation eliminates the position.