Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
PROTESTERS GREET COSTELLO WITH APPLAUSE
Group urges action on Comey firing
WEST CHESTER>> It probably wasn’t the reaction that Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6, expected to receive.
Protesters have met outside Costello’s office at the historic courthouse at least once a week since the January Trump inauguration.
Friday, several of 40 protesters applauded when Costello walked down the sidewalk shaking hands and giving everyone a chance to speak their mind.
Issues at the regular rallies vary from week to week. Friday’s demonstration was a battle cry for Costello to support hiring a special prosecutor to investigate Russian involvement during the presidential election.
Costello had released a statement concerning FBI director James Comey’s firing by President Trump and several protestors pigeonholed him for an opinion.
Costello said he would not comment at the time, but would have something more to say next week after being briefed further.
“We’ve learned quite a bit in the last day,” he said. “It’s mov-
ing very rapidly. New facts are coming out every day and I want to be responsible. I want to verify what’s been said and by who.”
The protesters didn’t seem to mind Costello’s lack of discussion on the issue.
One demonstrator said, “I’d much rather you take the time.”
Costello’s full statement reads: “There has been ongoing bipartisan concern regarding the FBI Director for a variety of reasons. To date, the explanation for the firing has been insufficient and the timing raises additional questions. I have always maintained that any investigation into Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 election must have the confidence of the American people.
My constituents must have assurances that a nonpartisan investigation will yield independent, wellgrounded conclusions, and I certainly support that effort. At this time, I am continuing to gather more information.”
Event organizer Claire Witzleben, of Wayne, cheered when the congressman showed. She said she appreciated his no vote on the AHCA.
“I’m very happy that he stood up for people with pre-existing conditions and we want to encourage him to stand up more frequently, for his district, over party.”
Costello is considered moderate.
“He knows he represents a purple district and we’re here to remind him of the blue,” Witzleben said. “He wants to be a moderate and represent his district which is moderate.”
Rain showers held off and drivers honked and waved at protesters during the lunchtime rally on busy Market Street.
“Ryan come out, we have some things to talk about,” they chanted. “Show me what democracy looks like, this is what democracy looks like,” the protestors mouthed.
“What do we want? Truth. When do we want it. Now,” the group chanted.
Most waved American flags and many held homemade signs high.
“Not done nyet. Resist,” read one placard. Another said, “Focus on Russia.”
“Mr. Costello I’m too old to learn Russian,” read a third sign.
Lani Frank is vice chair of the Chester County Democratic Committee. She said it was her congressman’s job to listen and simply say hello.
“Part of his job description is to represent the district and hear from his constituents,” she said. “(Costello) should not vote his own personal beliefs but is supposed to vote the will of his constituents.”
Andrea Cauble lives in Exton.
“I am pleased he will occasionally listen to his constituents,” she said. “He still votes 90 percent of the time with Trump which is tainting him and his choice to describe himself as moderate. It’s time to put the U.S.A. ahead of the GOP.”
Tom Buglio regularly writes letters to the editor.
“This is one of the many groups that has formed since the election,” Buglio said about the gathering. “We see our democracy eroding in front of us and it’s a scary sight. Everyone here feels that they have to do something to protect our democracy.”
Buglio said that after FBI Director Comey asked for more money and resources to further investigate Russian ties he was fired. Buglio pushed for Costello to name an independent special prosecutor.
“This is potentially worse than Watergate,” he said. “That was about a burglary and illegal activities to win an election. This is potentially about treason.”
Chrissy Houlahan, a Democratic candidate running against Costello, released a statement.
“The sudden firing of Director Comey and the White House’s ever changing explanation is very disturbing,” reads the release. “Congress has a duty to act as a check on the Trump Administration. Representative Costello needs to do his job and demand an independent investigation and stop being a rubber stamp for this dangerous Trump Administration.”