Despite Gov. Tom Corbett’s decision not to appeal a judge’s ruling that the state voter ID law violated the right to vote, state Reps. Brian Ellis and Daryl Metcalfe both say they still want the state to have such a law.

Ellis, R-11th, said he can see why Corbett decided not to appeal the ruling.

“I understand the governor’s decision not to pursue the appeal given that the Supreme Court is more interested in legislating from the bench than their role of determining the validity of laws,” he said this morning.

But he still said passing a voter ID law is important for the state.

“Obviously I voted in favor of it because we have to protect the most important fundamental brick of democracy,” he said, referencing voting. “Will we address this issue again? I certainly hope so.”

Metcalfe, R-12th, said in an e-mailed statement this morning:

“I am disappointed that the governor allowed the judicial activism of a partisan Democrat judge to stand and that he quit the fight for this common sense measure,” the statement said. “It is like the Steelers making it into overtime and then walking off the field.”

Metcalfe added voter ID laws are important to protect the validity of the voting process.

“Voter ID is supported by the majority of our citizens, as a measure to protect the integrity of the ballot box and to ensure that every legally cast vote is protected,” the statement said.

Metcalfe said he would continue advocating for voter ID laws to ensure voters are “not disenfranchised by the forces of corruption.”

Other state representatives and state senators who cover Butler County could not be reached this morning for comment.