Police investigate threat letter to congressman

[January 09, 2009]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Police are investigating a threatening letter containing suspicious material that was sent to the office of Democratic Rep. Bobby Rush, but the material turned out to be harmless.

Chicago authorities say Rush's staff called just before noon Thursday. By 12:30 p.m., a hazardous materials team had detected nothing harmful.

Police and fire officials say they have no information about the substance or the contents of the letter.

Rush's office did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Rush represents a congressional district on the South Side of Chicago. He has forcefully called for the Senate to seat Roland Burris, the man Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed to fill President-elect Barack Obama's seat.

[Associated Press]

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