Politicians in both parties want protection to continue their corrupt behavior in Harrisburg, and Daryl Metcalfe is providing it to them.

By refusing to let House Bill 722 (ending gerrymandering), and House Bill 39 (the gift ban) out of his committee for a vote on the House floor, he has become the new protector of the swamp.

House Bill 39 would prohibit elected officials from receiving gifts from lobbyists, such as meals, drinks, free vacations, lodging, game tickets, etc. And House Bill 722 would end gerrymandering, which would put an end to life-term politicians and their ability to keep their fiefdoms intact.

At last week’s town hall, when constituents pressed Rep. Metcalfe as to why he was holding back these bills, his answer was that he was teaching a lesson to those who had protested at his office in Harrisburg last spring.

He said, “I refuse to reward bad behavior.”

This excuse is transparent and lame. It’s obvious that he’s protecting himself and corrupt fellow politicians.