Vulnerable GOP Rep. jeered at town hall for opposing independent Trump-Russia investigation

Asked about the dire need for an independent investigation, after House Republicans have botched their effort thus far, Costello told constituents, “At this moment in time, I don’t believe we need an independent commission.” According to CNN reporter Eric Bradner, who attended, Costello was “jeered” for his weak response.

The investigation led by the House Intelligence Committee is currently in a tailspin, as Rep. Devin Nunes, the chairman, was recently forced to step down from the Russia probe. Nunes attracted intense criticism as he issued public statements defending Trump and indulging his conspiracy theory about being wiretapped by President Obama.

The FBI is conducting an investigation, as is the Senate, but the severity of the Russian meddling warrants an independent probe to account for the damage inflicted on the integrity of the American voting system.

Costello’s decision to make a Trump-friendly argument about the issue in front of his district could hurt him soon. While Pennsylvania went for Trump in 2016, Costello’s home turf, the 6^th Congressional district, went to Hillary Clinton.

In the 2018 midterm elections, candidates allying themselves with Trump could face intense opposition at the polls.