Pa. Lawmaker Wants Spying Explanation From Gov. Rendell

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- A state lawmaker from western Pennsylvania is blasting Governor Rendell as a "tyrant" for his handling of a contract with a firm that monitored the activities of protest groups in Pennsylvania.

Rendell has apologized for the contract with the Institute of Terrorism Research and Response (ITRR) but hasn't disciplined anyone for that episode.

Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler County, above left) says that's inadequate:

"This is serious business. To say that somebody is tyrannical in their activities is a very strong word to use. But to have law-abiding citizens exercising their rights having been spied on by a foreign-connected company that was contracted by this administration, having this administration hold no one accountable, is serious business."

Governor Rendell (above right) dismisses Metcalfe's comments:

"I consider it a compliment for Daryl Metcalfe to rail against me."

The governor denies Metcalfe's charge that he was complicit in the hiring of ITRR, which issued bulletins mostly on the protests and other peaceful activities of activist groups.

Reported by KYW Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tony Romeo.

File photos