AP via WQAD:

AP Exclusive: Report leaked, whistleblower fights for job

Associated Press - October 30, 2007 3:14 PM ET

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Blagojevich administration fired Matt Magalis (muh-GA'-lihs) for leaking a secret report to the media.

His lawyer says he's a whistleblower who should be congratulated.

But the Department of Human Services fired Magalis after an investigation found he gave a report about corruption at the agency to the Chicago Tribune.

The Tribune's report on the inspector general's probe in 2006 found another employee -- Khalil Shalabi (kuh-LEEL' shuh-LAH'-bee) -- organized a fundraiser for Governor Rod Blagojevich and managed personal business on state time. Shalabi was fired.

Magalis is asking the Civil Service Commission for his $82,000-a-year job back. His lawyer says Magalis feared the Shalabi case would be covered up.

Spokesmen for Blagojevich and the Tribune didn't immediately return calls seeking comment.