Billy Long ain't afraid of nobody... well except maybe Roy Blunt?

Last week our congressman Billy Long piled as many statewide candidates as he could into a big black bus with "Billy Long Victory Tour" plastered on the sides and took a tour or MO7.

From the Branson Tri-Lakes News: Candidates visit Branson:

Several Republican candidates in the upcoming November election stopped in Branson Saturday on the Billy Long Victory Tour.

In addition to Long, Todd Akin, a candidate for U.S. Senate; Dave Spence, a candidate for Missouri governor; incumbent Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder; Shane Schoeller, candidate for Missouri Secretary of State; Ed Martin, a candidate for state attorney general; and Cole McNary, a candidate for state treasurer, were all in attendance at Tea Party Patriot HQ on Veterans Boulevard.

George Dyer sings to start off the rally in Branson Saturday while Tara Sukman looks on with fawning admiration. Some said Sukman took her hat off because Billy doesn't wear his Resistol anymore. Photo by Stephen Herzog | Branson Tri-Lakes News

Bungalow Bill's take on Billy's Tour::

Hard to believe a week has gone by since Congressman Billy Long boarded up a bus and set off to display unity in the Republican party. Long and his bus mates visited various Southwest Missouri towns promoting their campaigns. Included in Billy Long's unity bus tour was Shane Schoeller, stripper stalker Peter Kinder, Ed Martin, what's that guy's name that is going to lose in a landslide to Jay Nixon, oh that's right, Dave Spence, and the tarnished Todd Akin.

Yet, despite this image of unity, Congressman Long hasn't seemed to issue one bit of support for Todd Akin. Shall we say Billy Long's unity tour was a complete scam and that Billy Long's friendship is something you can't count on when it comes to political power? That's what it looks like because just a week ago, Long was yukking it up on a bus with Akin, and now there is no sign of unity or support for Long.

Susan Redden of the Joplin Globe on Long's Bus Tour which made two stops in Joplin last week:

The goal of getting a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate, including replacing Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., with challenger Todd Akin, was mentioned frequently when GOP candidates and officeholders came to Joplin as part of a “Victory Tour” on Wednesday.

Blunt and U.S. Rep. Billy Long, R-Mo., were among those on the “Victory Tour” praising the Ryan pick. Long also led a “Unity Tour” to Joplin on Saturday.

Long said he believes the Ryan choice will help Republicans win in Missouri — including the U.S. Senate seat — because “he will energize the party’s base, and get the tea party and the conservatives involved” in the campaign. Blunt said the selection was “a bold choice that establishes us as the party of ideas.”

Jake Hamilton, 4-States Homepage:

(Mt. Vernon, MO)-- A group of Republican candidates made an appearance in Mt. Vernon Saturday for their second to last stop on their "Victory Tour."

Candidates Billy Long, Todd Aikin and Dave Spence have been visiting different areas in Missouri, telling voters why they should be elected to their desired positions.

Springfield News Leader:

The second of two tours featuring the Republican statewide slate hit Springfield on Saturday. The weekend tour was organized by U.S. Rep. Billy Long, R-Springfield, to promote unity among the GOP candidates after a bruising primary.

Saturday’s ticket also featured Todd Akin, who is running for U.S. Senate; Dave Spence, the gubernatorial candidate; Shane Schoeller, the Secretary of State candidate; and Cole McNary, the treasurer candidate.

At the state fair
KOLR Channel 10:

The bus tour took the statewide candidates through Jefferson City and Lee's Summit on Tuesday, and Joplin, Springfield, St. Louis, and St. Charles on Wednesday.

The party's nominee to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, joined the group for the final half of the tour.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, an early supporter of presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, defended him from recent charges from Democrats critical of his new running-mate Paul Ryan's position on Medicare spending.

"The only person who has cut Medicare is Barack Obama," Blunt said. "Republicans are the only people who have a plan to save Medicare."

"Paul Ryan was a great choice," said Rep. Billy Long (R-7th District). "I would have liked to see Paul run way back when for president when they were talking about who would get in the race. He's a young guy. He's 42 and he probably thought he'd wait a little while but this is just perfect. Mitt Romney made a great decision. It's the first presidential decision Mitt Romney made. He knocked a home run."

And, all the tweets from all the boys....

Joseph Hunter ‏@JosephHunterII @cole_mcnary @auctnr1 @RepToddAkin @spenceformo @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller @EdMartin4MO @MOVictory strong crew ...Looking 4 clean sweep

18 Aug Peter Kinder Peter Kinder ‏@PeterKinder RT @cole_mcnary: Just stopped in Mt Vernon w/ @auctnr1 @RepToddAkin @spenceformo @peterkinder @shaneschoeller & @EdMartin4MO #GOP @movictory

18 Aug Cole McNary Cole McNary ‏@cole_mcnary Just stopped in Mt Vernon w/ @auctnr1 @RepToddAkin @spenceformo @peterkinder @shaneschoeller & @EdMartin4MO #mogop @movictory

18 Aug James Harris James Harris ‏@JamesMNHarris RT @auctnr1: The #MOGOP Statewide Victory bus stopped at http://TeaPartyPatriotHQ.com in #Branson - now we're off to Mt. Vernon view photo

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 @spenceformo speaking during our Statewide #GOP Victory Tour in Mt. Vernon - now headed to our last stop in #Joplin

18 Aug Billy Long Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 The #MOGOP Statewide Victory bus stopped at http://TeaPartyPatriotHQ.com in #Branson - now we're off to Mt. Vernon

18 Aug Ed Martin Ed Martin ‏@EdMartin4MO Another big crowd in Branson on the congressman @auctnr1 Unity Bus Tour #standinthegap #MOAteam #MOGOP View photo

1:39 PM - 18 Aug 12 via Twitter for BlackBerry® · Details
18 Aug MOVictory MOVictory ‏@MOVictory RT @EdMartin4MO: Big crowd in Ozark on the @auctnr1 bus tour. We're getting fired up with the #MOAteam #standinthegap View photo

18 Aug Schoeller 4 SoS Schoeller 4 SoS ‏@shaneschoeller @auctnr1 #MOGOP unity tour continues 2B strong! @EdMartin4MO here speaking to fellow Christian Co conservatives! View photo

18 Aug Billy Long Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 @ToddAkin @spenceformo @PeterKinder @cole_mcnary @shaneschoeller @EdMartin4MO all on the #MOGOP Statewide Victory bus - next stop #Branson



Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Looking forward to Sen. Roy Blunt joining our Whistle Stop #MO7 Victory Rally for Statewide Candidates @ http://TeaPartyPatriotHQ.com in #Branson

18 Aug Billy Long Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Todd Akin @ Statewide #GOP Candidate #MO7 Victory Rally @ Family Pharmacy in Ozark - next stop http://TeaPartyPatriotHQ.com http://pic.twitter.com/JgP6KHIL

18 Aug James Harris James Harris ‏@JamesMNHarris RT @jameymurphy Congressman Billy Long's Bus Tour team of Candidates View photo @auctnr1 @PeterKinder @EdMartin4MO @cole_mcnary

18 Aug Matthew Lyons Matthew Lyons ‏@mattlyonsms Great to see the 2012 #MOGOP ticket in SGF today. @ToddAkin @SpenceForMo @auctnr1 @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller @EdMartin4MO @cole_mcnary

18 Aug MOVictory MOVictory ‏@MOVictory RT @spenceformo: Grt day in SWMO w/ @auctnr1 @EdMartin4MO @ToddAkin @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller @cole_mcnary view photo #MoGov

18 Aug Peter Kinder Peter Kinder ‏@PeterKinder Fantastic day in #SWMO on Unity tour w/ @auctnr1 @ToddAkin @spenceformo @cole_mcnary @shaneschoeller @EdMartin4MO #MOGOP #StrongTeam

18 Aug Peter Kinder Peter Kinder ‏@PeterKinder Indeed! RT @spenceformo: Grt day in SWMO w/ @auctnr1 @EdMartin4MO @ToddAkin @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller @cole_mcnary View photo

18 Aug Schoeller 4 SoS Schoeller 4 SoS ‏@shaneschoeller THX 2 fellow @greenecomoGOP for coming out to @auctnr1 #SWMO Unity tour w/ @ToddAkin @spenceformo @PeterKinder @cole_mcnary @EdMartin4MO

18 Aug Billy Long Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Statewide #GOP Candidate #MO7 Victory Rally @ Greene County #GOP Headquarters in Springfield - next stop Nixa!

18 Aug Dave Spence Dave Spence ‏@spenceformo Grt day in SWMO w/ @auctnr1 @EdMartin4MO @ToddAkin @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller @cole_mcnary view photo #MoGov

18 Aug Michael Clarke Michael Clarke ‏@MichaelPClarke @auctnr1: "This November will definitely be a time for choosing" at the Unity Bus Tour rally at Springfield Victory HQ @MOVictory

18 Aug Jen McClure Jen McClure ‏@JenMcHBA @auctnr1 building grassroots machine! View photo

18 Aug Jen McClure Jen McClure ‏@JenMcHBA @auctnr1 thanks for rallying the troops to get started on winning back America by turning out 40 percent in november

18 Aug Cole McNary Cole McNary ‏@cole_mcnary Speaking to a great crowd in SWMO on the @auctnr1 Unity Bus Tour w/ @reptoddakin @edmartin4mo & @shaneschoeller View photo


18 Aug Schoeller 4 SoS Schoeller 4 SoS ‏@shaneschoeller Perfect start 2 #SWMO unity tour w/ @auctnr1 @SBUniv my alma mater w/ @ToddAkin @spenceformo @PeterKinder @EdMartin4MO & @cole_mcnary

18 Aug Billy Long Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Just held Statewide #GOP Candidate #MO7 Victory Rally @ Bolivar- Akin, Spence, Kinder, Schoeller, McNary & Martin on board- Springfield next

18 Aug Todd Akin Todd Akin ‏@ToddAkin 2012 #mogop ticket in Bolivar. @ToddAkin @SpenceForMo @auctnr1 @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller @EdMartin4MO @cole_mcnary View Photo

18 Aug Cole McNary Cole McNary ‏@cole_mcnary Meeting folks in Bolivar on the @auctnr1 Unity Bus Tour. #mogop #motreas View photo

18 Aug Ed Martin Ed Martin ‏@EdMartin4MO Pic: Meeting some great folks in SWMO on the @auctnr1 bus tour w/@ToddAkin @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller #MOAG #MOGOP View photo

17 Aug Donna Osborn Donna Osborn ‏@donnaos @auctnr1 bus revving up on my neighborhood street...have no idea...guess my neighbor found a bus-driving job. Billy's a 1-job creator!

17 Aug Donna Osborn Donna Osborn ‏@donnaos Well, my goodness gracious, there goes the neighborhood! @auctnr1 View photo

17 Aug Peter Kinder Peter Kinder ‏@PeterKinderMT @JamesMNHarris: Glad to see @EdMartin4MO @PeterKinder & @shaneschoeller on the Congressman @auctnr1 7th District Tour tmrw. #StrongTeam

17 Aug James Harris James Harris ‏@JamesMNHarrisGlad to see @EdMartin4MO @PeterKinder and @shaneschoeller on the Congressman @auctnr1 7th District Tour tomorrow. #StrongTeam #7thTour

17 Aug Ed Martin Ed Martin ‏@EdMartin4MO Great time this week on the @MOVictory bus tour http://ow.ly/d2Y6U Looking forward to the bus tour w/Billy Long @auctnr1 tomorrow! #MoGOP

OMG, the praise is suffocating!

Then Akin appeared on a Sunday morning talk show in St. Louis and forgot to speak in code.

And Billy Long, did he come to the defense of Todd Akin, with whom he had spent the previous day singing the praises of?

No. NO ONE came to Akin's defense, And Billy's position of Rape is the same as the position Akin AND Todd Ryan hold. Billy was a co-sponsor of HR3,,,the bill that redefined rape to include "Forcible rape", Billy's vote on the personhood amendment mirrored Akin's.

One would reasonably expect that Long or somebody on that bus tour would come to Akin's defense and we'd see some tweets. Maybe Billy saw what happened to David Catanese and Billy got scared.

I thought Billy may be in Las Vegas playing poker and didn't have time to tweet.

Anyhow, August 19, 2012 to 5PM August 22, 2012, here are ALL of Billy Long's tweets.

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 @TGowdySC "This is your Birthday Song - It's not too long - Hey!"

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Rotary clubs deliver funds for kids from annual Rock 'n Ribs:

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Just spoke to the Farm Bureau Board of Directors at their endorsement meeting in Mt. Vernon, MO #Ozarks #MO7

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 I just spoke in #Joplin at the Missouri Association of Manufacturers breakfast meeting. A great group of job providers!

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Guy 50-something calls me over to his table at breakfast to explain that due to religious reasons he had never ever voted, but will in Nov.!

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Black and Gold taking over? http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012308190039

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Billy Long leads Republicans at rally http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012308190028


"I ain't afraid of nobody".

You wanna bet somebody (ROY?) told him to sit down and shut up?

Billy's an empty suit, all hat and no cattle, a pompous prima donna.

When Politicians Lie-- Billy Long lies to Springfield News-Leader: HOT DIGGITY DOG

Today's Springfield News-Leader has an article on the MO7 congressional race of incumbent Billy Long and challenger Jim Evans:  Long, Evans sound alarm on cuts

In reporter Josh Nelson's article he writes:

Long noted he didn’t agree to debates during his primary race this summer either. Long also refused to debate Democrat Scott Eckersley in 2010.

Here is a photo of  Scott Eckersley and Billy Long at an October 2010 debate,  you know, the one Billy said he refused to do.  Photo credit to Brett Piper, KOLR-TV and KSFX-TV.

Hot diggity dog. Anytime you lie, Billy, I'm going to holler out 'Hot diggity dog.

Long did not debate during the primary race this summer but he did debate during the primary 2010. In fact there are numerous accounts, complete with photos, of Long being text'd answers to debate questions on his cell phone during the debate. http://longiswrong.blogspot.com/2010/04/democrat-tim-davis-watched-billy-long.html

Here is a photo of  Tim Davis and Billy Long participating in that debate.

Getting back to Nelson's story: Did Billy Long directly state he refused to debate Democrat Scott Eckersley in 2010 or did he just imply that and let Josh Nelson reach that conclusion?

Either way, "HOT DIGGITY DOG" Billy.

Billy Long and Scott Eckersley debated three times during the 2010 election.

Long's campaign even sent out a press release:

Republican Seventh District Congressional Nominee Billy Long has agreed to three more debates/forums before the general election.

“I’m pleased that voters will have an opportunity to hear about real issues,” said Long. “I am fed up with Washington. We need to get our country back on the right track and stop Nancy Pelosi’s agenda.”

The one-hour debates/forums agreed to are sponsored by: KSNF - Joplin. October 6th. KWTO- Springfield. October 7th. The Young Conservatives-Springfield. October 19th.

The Springfield News-Leader published a story about the debate you and Eckersley had in Joplin on October 6, 2010: http://www.news-leader.com/article/20101009/NEWS06/10090363/Anti-Social-Security-website-backs-Long?nclick_check=1

Of course, Billy may not want to remember that debate--- that's the debate where Long denied filling out surveys stating that he wanted to dismantle Social Security and Medicare.

"Hot diggity dog. Anytime you lie, Scott, I'm going to holler out 'Hot diggity dog.' And you lied last night. You lied consistently about me that I signed some kind of a questionnaire."

Unfortunately for Billy, he DID fill out and sign quite a few questionnaires and surveys where he states, quite emphatically I might add, that he was in favor of dismantling Social Security, privatizing the Postal Service and ending farm subsidies. Long also voted "YEA" for the Paul Ryan budget which changes Medicare as we know it and turns the program into a voucher system.

From the bus garage, October 9, 2010: Pedaling backwards as fast as he can and my new favorite Billy Long quote: "Hot Diggity Dog, Hot Diggity Dog, Hot Diggity Dog!"   

So when Long accepts money, endorsements or signs pledges from groups and individuals that advocate the privatization of Social Security, as does Conservative Congress, Americans for Tax Reform (see link above), John Boehner, the Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) and others Long is aligned with, then that is a pretty reliable indicator that Long favors dismantling the Social Security program and privatizing it.

Billy Long is lying when he says or implies to the reporter (who wasn't on the SN-L staff in 2010) that he did not debate Scott Eckersley in 2010.

Again, from reporter Josh Nelson's article:

Long said he still identifies with some of the ideals of the Tea Party such as cutting spending and rolling back the size of government."

What ideals does he NOT identify himself with? And when did he stop identifying himself with these ideals?

Last time we heard, Billy was "tea party before tea party was cool"

Remember when he told the NPR reporter (and the Philadelphia Inquirer reporter and the C-SPAN reporter and The Daily Caller-- well you get the drift he was talking to EVERYBODY!) : "You remember that old Barbara Mandrell song 'I was country before country was cool?'" Long said. "We've been tea partying. in the seventh district of Missouri before the tea party was cool* We believe in smaller government, lower taxes and sticking to the constitution."

I guess 'sticking to the constitution' is one of the tea party ideals Billy's not identifying with anymore.  Remember when Billy told us his copy of the constitution was "like a horse: rode hard and put away wet"?  I do.

Billy doesn't like sequestration either.  Again, quoting Nelson's story

Long called the sequestration plan a 'bill of goods,' because the plan was crafted in such a politically harmful manner that lawmakers would not let it go into effect..."

What Long conveniently neglects to tell the reporter is that Long vote "YEA" for the Budget Control Acto of 2011 and, on August 1, 2011  Long's office issued  a press release about his "YEA" vote:

Today in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Billy Long voted in favor of the Budget Control Act of 2011, a bipartisan bill that would cut excessive federal spending, create enforceable spending controls, form a deficit reduction committee, establish a balanced budget vote provision, and prevent America from defaulting on debt obligations."

When did Billy change his mind about this bill and why did Billy change his mind about this bill?

From Talking Points Memo, July 2012 Republicans want off the hook for voting for defense sequester:

Republicans have been been clear that they do not regard deep, looming cuts to defense and domestic programs — the enforcement mechanism at the heart of last year’s debt limit agreement — as a reason to compromise with Democrats and put real tax revenues into the mix of cuts and reforms required to reduce deficits over time.

But in recent weeks they’ve taken things a step further. They’ve disavowed the so-called “sequester” altogether and handed full responsibility for its existence to President Obama — despite the fact that an overwhelming majority of them voted to implement it last August.

This is why Billy won't debate: he can't get past the talking points.

That and he's afraid of Jim Evans.

Oh, lots of things to remember about Billy Long.  Remember in Tampa, during the Republican convention, when he appeared at that comedy club?  I do.  

LIVE, FROM TAMPA FLORIDA, IT'S BILLY ""I'm a congressman. Not too proud of that, but I am." LONG!

Remember Billy's first speech on the floor of  The House of Representatives?

I do.

He said he wanted to cut the cheese. (read the comments, they're funny)

Remember when Billy told me that "he ain't afraid of nobody"



---  I guess he was lying then too.

Billy's lied to us before.  Remember what he said at the post office meeting?   
You catch a lot more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. So, when you tell stories about me through some of your representatives that I want to privatize the Postal Service, which is an out and out lie, that doesn't help you any with me or my office. So...


Of course the problem here is that Billy DID say he wanted to privatize the Postal Service: On June 10, 2010 Long signed his name to this statement: "I will support legislation aimed at protecting taxpayers by privatizing government-sponsored corporations and enterprises such as the United States Postal Service, adding in his own handwriting that "..the USPS...would be enhanced by privatization."

The News-Leader article said that Long "also noted he regularly makes himself available for constituent meetings when he's back in the district." Contrast that statement with the implied threat in Long's own words "that doesn't help you any with me or my office, so...."

And that's the problem with Billy Long.  When he lies about -- or conveniently forgets -- that he participated in three debates with Scott Eckersley in 2010, that he did say he wanted to privatize the Postal Service, that he did vote "YEA" on sequestration in August 2011,-- all statements that are well documented, what else is Billy lying about?

Ah jeez.

*Turns out Billy wasn't even the author of that statement, Joe Barton of Texas was. http://dailycaller.com/2010/10/17/joe-barton-i-was-the-tea-party-before-tea-party-was-cool/

For more on the Billy Long / Scott Eckersley debates during the 2012 campaign, google Billy Long Scott Eckersley Debate.

They Didn't Know It Was In The Paper

and God didn't make the little green apples, and it don't rain in indianapolis in the summer time. And there's no such thing as Dr. Seuss or Disneyland and Mother Goose, no nursery rhymes, no Billy Long running for Congress.

In this morning's SN-L, David Stoeffler, the executive editor of the paper, has an article, Newspaper gearing up for in-depth election coverage, on the opinion page in which he writes:

Our goal is to offer you a broad brush of coverage in local, state and federal elections set for Nov. 2, but with a focus on key races, especially the campaigns to replace U.S. Sen. Kit Bond and U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt.

I made the comment that local bloggers have got a leg up on the paper as those races, especially the race to replace Roy Blunt are being covered pretty thoroughly on some local blogs.

The newspaper (and most of the mainstream media) seem to be missing out on stories such as when Billy Long ignored a question from a citizen-journalist and walked away.

Not once.*

Not twice.**

But THREE TIMES.*** (was there a rooster crowing?)

They also missed out on reporting about the scores of voters who turned out for to meet and greet Scott Eckersley and his "Give 'em Eck" tour stop on the courthouse square in Christian County last week.

They also missed out on reporting on the three members of the community**** who turned out for a discussion of the issues on the first stop on the "Billy Long Business Tour."

The part of the tour chronicled here focused on the Springfield News-Leader and how closely the Auctioneer/Candidate and his staff pay attention to what goes in there (other than Billy's advertising dollars):

Billy Long (BL): I'll get outta here, thanks, Spook (Spook is the owner of Trailliner trucking company, the location of the business tour).

Female SSL(this would be the lady interested in Social Security issues): Would you, un, what other kind of tours have you taken, Billy?

Billy Long: Oh gosh, tomorrow is really our big tour day. We're doin,

Billy Long Staffer: Tomorrow and the next day. Tomorrow we're gonna be in, uh,

Spook: I'm special, hon.

SSL: You're special.

Billy Long Staffer: You know I don't know what the paper, I didn't know this would be in there.

Billy Long: I didn't know it was in the paper either.

SSL: Yeah, it was in the paper, several times, that's how,

Billy Long: Really?

The Friendly Bus Driver (FBD) [that's me]:Yeah, I thought there'd be a lot of people

SSL: Open to the public.

Billy Long Staffer: They made a big deal of it, tomorrow,

Billy Long: Tomorrow we're doin' a 'meet n greet' at 8

FBD: In Joplin,

Billy Long: And then we're doin' a ten o'clock at a computer store over there.

Billy Long Staffer: That'll be the big one.

Billy Long: There'll be people there, yeah. So tomorrow, kind the public tour day. I don't know what the paper, I didn't even see it, I'll be honest, I can't tell you.*****

Billy Long Staffer: That's like I'm surprised anybody showed up.

FBD: Well, they printed your press release

Billy Long Staffer: Ok

FBD: Is what they did.

Billy Long: Ok, ok, ok.

*once:

**twice:

***THREE TIMES:


****Uh, um, I was, One of, uh, those three folks would be a journalism professor and former state representative, a voter who was concerned about Social Security and me, your friendly bus driver.

*****Aww, jeez.

Personal to the Joplinfuse: That question of your's for Long, the one about raising the Social Security age, the one that Billy chose not to answer, yeah, that one. Well, I asked it and got an answer and then some. I'll post it tomorrow. -FBD

Million Dollar Billy

Billy Long photo by Alex Brandon

It shouldn't come to a surprise to anyone who follows Billy Long that despite his efforts to pass himself off as 'just a good old boy', Long is part of the congressional millionaire club.

We all know that Billy lives in a $750,000 Highland Springs house, a wealthy enclave with gates to keep the constituents outBilly Long's four walls and a roof.

We all know that Billy frequents a posh restaurant often enough to have a dish named after him. The Metropolitan Grill offers a "Billy Long Cut" 11 ounce ribeye filet served with pot roasted Heirloom baby bakers and apple brined Haricots Verts $28.50.

We can't vouch for where he shops, but it looks like it. We don't know if, as Billy told NPR's Andrea Seabrook on November 16, 2010, if he liquidated his 1/3 interest in Murney and Associates. "Gotta liquidate my auction company, liquidate my third interest in the largest real estate company in town, so there's a lot of things you gotta get up to school on, up to speed." Billy Long, November 16, 2010

Malia Rulon, in her blog, "Inside Missouri Politics", picks up the trail: Billy Long part of congressional millionaire's club:Rep.

Billy Long has something in common with the leaders of his party — they’re all millionaires.

Personal financial disclosure reports released this week show, in broad ranges, the assets and investments owned by each lawmaker. The reports, filed with the U.S. House Clerk, are designed to provide transparency so voters can be aware of any conflict of interest.

According to the reports, the Springfield Republican is worth at least $1.5 million. He could be worth more than double that, but lawmakers aren’t required to report the value of their primary residence and all assets are reported only in broad ranges.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, is worth at least $2 million and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., is worth at least $3.4 million.

Long is among at least 19 Republican freshmen who own assets worth more than $1 million, according to The Washington Post. However, he’s also among 19 GOP freshmen who have personal liabilities of more than $100,000, the Post reported.

Many of the 87 GOP freshmen ran on a platform of reigning in the U.S. debt.

Long owes between $865,000 and $1.8 million in mortgages on a commercial building, rental condominium and other properties.

As for income, it’s unclear whether Long is earning more or less as a congressman than he did as an auctioneer. That’s because all income and assets are also reported in broad ranges and lawmakers aren’t required to report how much their spouse earns.

According to documents filed this week, Long earned $43,096 last year from auction commissions and the sale of hay, a tractor and a brush hog. He also earned rental income between $20,000 and $65,000.

He reported capitol gains of between $50,000 and $100,000. He also earned between$22,400 and $68,800 in interest and dividends from several bank accounts and stock worth between $349,000 and $811,000.

All together, Long’s report indicated that he made between $135,500 and $276,900 last year. As a congressman, he makes a $174,000 annual salary.

You can look up Long’s report for yourself on the House Clerk site.

Well, we did. And page 13 is of interest:Remember back in late January the Heritage Foundation paid for Billy's trip to California, a trip they called "In the Steps of Reagan", the 2011 Conservative Member's retreat. The Heritage Foundation spent $2,878.00 getting Billy out there, wining and dining him and bringing him back. Lobbying Reform: Travel Rules for Congress:

g) After each trip taken by a Member, Senator or staff a travel disclosure form that lists the expenses by the private source must be completed, signed and filed with the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate. [12]The form must include good faith estimates of the transportation, lodging, meal and other expenses paid, set out separately, and a determination that such expenses were ‘necessary’ and related to the individual’s official duties. In the House, this disclosure form must be filed within 15 days of returning from the trip. In the Senate, the disclosure form must be filed within 30 days of the trip. Furthermore, Members, Senators and officers, as well as employees who file a Financial Disclosure Statement, must also disclose each such trip on Schedule VII of their annual financial disclosure statement.

Billy Long's trip to California in January, paid for by the Heritage Foundation, was not listed on Schedule VII of his annual financial disclosure because it was taken in 2011. But it should be listed on Long's 2011 financial disclosure form.

Also, if Long sold his 1/3 share in Murney and Associates AFTER 12/31/2010, it too will have to be listed on his 2011 financial disclosure. Likewise, if Long, as he said he did, shut the doors on Billy Long Auctions and sold the assets to competitors, that too would show up on Long's 2011 financial disclosure.

At face value, Long's financial disclosure statement raises more questions than it answers.

Bob McCarty is among the many who have repeatedly asked substantive questions of Long and his staff and has repeated been ignored, also questions if the congressman failed to report all his assets:

Another thing the second report shows is handwritten explanations of how Long terminated one of his business enterprises and resigned from positions at three others. It does not, however, explain what happened to the “…third interest in the largest real estate company in Springfield” about which he told Josh Marsh, “I have to sell that.”

Springfield locals tell me that Murney Associates is the biggest real estate firm in town. According to Active Network, they’re correct; the company ranks as the 40th largest independent real estate company in the United States. Unless Congressman Long has a larger firm which he operates “below the radar,” one must assume the first-term congressman has twice failed to report all of his assets on his disclosure forms. After all, there’s no mention of Murney except as a source of earned income.

Others are suggesting that Long sold the bulk of Keller-Williams to a relative of the owner of the grocery store at Glenstone and Bennett and went over to Murney and Associates.

As to Long's claims, “I own a third interest in the largest real estate company in Springfield; I have to sell that. Do you want to buy a real estate company today? You know, they’re not worth anything, and I have to give up my real estate broker’s license.” some insiders insinuate that Long never owned any of Murney's company and that this statement is 'just so much bull'.

It is known that Long has never filed paperwork with the Missouri Secretary of State dissolving Billy Long Auctions, LLC; Billy Long Auctioneers Inc; and Billy Long,Inc.

It is not surprising, after all, Billy himself told us he is not a detail person. From the bus garage, January 5, 2011: "Like a horse, it's rode hard and put away wet," quipped Long.

A flashy Southern auctioneer with as much a penchant for cowboy hats as for telling voters that he’s “fed up,” Rep. Billy Long struck electoral gold with his campaign as a bona fide Capitol Hill outsider.

But Long not only met the insiders, he hired one of them as his chief of staff. Joe Lillis has been legislative director to Rep. Lynn Westmoreland since 2005, and before that, he worked for the Georgia Republican’s predecessor, Rep. Mac Collins (R), and former Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.).

Long declined to comment for this report, but Westmoreland recently recounted giving the inexperienced legislator the advice to hire someone who can guide him through Washington.

“I said, ‘Billy, you’re not a detail person are you?’ He said, ‘Nope,’” Westmoreland told Roll Call. “I said, ‘If you’re not detail-oriented, you better hire somebody who is detail-oriented.’ The ropes are going to be hard enough for a new Member of Congress to learn. If he has eight people or seven people there who are learning the ropes together, that’s going to be a long ride.”

How long is that piece of rope? Long enough to hang yourself with.

Billy Long: Auction business sold piecemeal

Billy Long doesn't like it when people start nosing around into his affairs, financial or otherwise.

Roseann Moring, News-Leader political writer, has this story in this morning's News-Leader: Long: Auction business sold piecemeal:

Q: When Billy Long was campaigning for Congress last year, he told constituents that federal law would require him to dissolve or sell his auction business. Earlier this year, Long told the News-Leader he had done so.

But several readers have pointed out that the Missouri secretary of state's website lists Billy Long Auctions, LLC and BILLY LONG, INC. as "active" and "in good standing," respectively.

They wanted to know whether Long actually had dissolved his business.

A: Here is what Long had to say, through a spokesman: "We consulted with the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, also known as the Ethics Committee, on what I had to do with my business before I was sworn in. The ... property was sold off piecemeal to various individuals and on July 31st it will be administratively dissolved for not filing the yearly paperwork."

A spokeswoman for the secretary of state said that is a common and legal way to end a business license.

It should be removed from the website at that point.

According to the Congressional Ethics Committee website, Congress members are banned from owning or participating in some kinds of businesses, including law practice. That is intended to prevent lobbyists from avoiding reporting requirements by funneling gifts through a politician's personal business.

Frequent bus riders will recall that earlier this month, when Long released his financial disclosure forms, the bus stopped here: million-dollar-billy-part-duex, Hot Diggity Dawg. Here's what Long reported to the FEC on his financial disclosure statement:

1. Sole Proprietor- Billy Long Auctioneer- this business was terminated on December 31, 2010- no business after that date.
2. Member- Billy Long Auctions, LLC - resigned this position on January 1, 2011, no longer a member after that date.
3. President- Billy Long Auctioneers, Inc -- resigned this position January 1, 2011, no long an officer or shareholder.
4. President- Billy Long, Inc -- resigned this position January 1, 2011, no longer an officer or shareholder"

Which Billy Long Auction business was sold piecemeal? #1? #2? #3? #4? Which one is Bob Kollmeier running. Why is Kollmeier on Billy's payroll as "Ag advisor" making $60,000 plus a year?

Remember when Billy said, “You have to sell your business. If you have a fiduciary business, you have to sell that, so I’ve gotta walk away from a business I built up for 30 years. Who’s gonna buy it without me there? Answer: Nobody. Whoever I sell it to has to take my name off of it. Now, what’s it worth? Absolutely nothing."

Despite his protesting "Who’s gonna buy it without me there?" Well, someone apparently did. As of 04/30/2011 Billy Long, Inc was still in business with a new president, treasurer and secretary: Barbara Long, Billy's wife.

"What's it worth?" We don't know because the transfer of ownership didn't show up on Billy's financial disclosure statement. We know who bought his hay and how much Billy got for selling his tractor and brush hog. What did Billy do with his shares of Billy Long, Inc? If he sold them or gave them away, shouldn't that have been reflected somewhere in his financial disclosure? If he put those shares in a blind trust, shouldn't that have been reflected somewhere in his financial disclosure? If he gave them to his wife, shouldn't that have been reflected somewhere in his financial disclosure?

Billy Long: "I'm a Representative. I don't need an entourage or a security detail."

Congressman Billy Long talks to a constituent who is wearing a blue coat last April. Long's head is bare visible over the shoulder of one of those guys who are not part of his entourage or his security detail. The other two guys are also not part of Billy's entourage or security detail. They just travel everywhere with Billy and block access to him as they are doing here. Billy said today in Forsyth "I'm a representative, I don't need an entourage or a security detail." Apparently these three members of Long's entourage/security detail didn't get the memo.

This message was delivered to the bus garage this past weekend:

It has come to my attention that Congressman Billy Long will be at the Taney County Courthouse Monday, June 6 at 9 AM.

He will be in the Commission Hearing Room and we need everyone that can attend to be there.

Our support is very important to the Congressman.

If you have questions or comments he will be there to answer them.

Please attend and bring a friend.

Frequent bus riders will recall last September Billy Long announced his business tour. Myself and two other voters attended the inaugural event. It would be the last time Long attempted to explain his political philosophy to anyone. (Actions speak louder than words).

Since that time, Long has isolated himself from any real scrutiny by the press, mainstream or new media.

Last April, in an event billed as "free and open to the public" (which was only half right) Long stonewalled anyone who dared ask him a question that required more than talking points as an answer. (What's the difference between a duck)

Shortly after that event, Long announced that he was going to do no more live town hall meetings, instead he would focus on tele-townhalls (NO more live townhall meetings for Billy Long).

Billy would be at the Taney County Courthouse on Monday, June 6, 2011 at 9 AM, live and in person, to answer your questions or comments.

Since I have a summer home in Taney County (ok, so it a weekender cabin in Rockaway Beach-- it's one of the original Brookside Bungalows in Rockaway, from the 1920s. I go there to relax adn relax I do. I have no internet access there other than through my phone- so I don't post too much while I'm at the cabin, which may be old, but it's paid for) I decided to attend and perhaps get a chance to ask Billy a question.

Specifically I wanted to ask him, that in light of Eric Cantor's remarks on the Joplin tornado relief funds and Long's own votes AGAINST FEMA, NWS, First Responders, Emergency Readiness, etc (Billy Long voted to slash National Weather Service, etc) if he still felt that need to defund those programs. I never got a chance.

The meeting was actually a Taney County Commission meeting. Billy spoke about 15 minutes.

I left my notes at the cabin but I am able to reconstruct them from the live tweeting I did during the meeting. What I don't touch upon here, I will revisit when I get back to my notes.

About 16 people were present, most of them appeared to be county employees. There was one elderly couple present. Obviously the plea for Billy's supporters to show up didn't yield any results.

Billy talked about the Branson floods and how the Corps of Engineers didn't use common sense in flood control. He was concerned that 'they' blew up a levy and ruined Missouri farmland so as not to flood an Illinois town (Cairo) but flooded a Missouri town (Branson) so as not to flood farmland in Arkansas.*

Billy said the Corps listened to him (he suggested opening the flood gates to lower the lake levels when rain is forecast) but that their 'hands were tied'. He said this several times.

Long told the commissioners that he urged Governor Nixon to declare Branson and Taney County a disaster area a full week before Nixon did what Long told him to do. Long also said he was displeased with the Governor's stalling in declaring the area a disaster area. (I have Long's exact words written in my notes. While I did find evidence of Long being in Branson during the flooding - he went to a realtor's breakfast - I could find no evidence of him visiting the flooded areas. His tweets for that period are not, meaning if he is doing something that he thinks is going to make him look good, he tweets about it. No tweets from Branson during the flooding. Others noted Long's conspicuous lack of concern about the flooding. (Flooding in Seventh District prompted U.S. Representative Billy Long to issue a press release)Main Street, Rockaway Beach, MO, April 2011.

Observers of Long have noticed that frequently he will criticize someone or something, then praise it. For instance, he voted to repeal HCR but he told us there are a lot of things he likes about it. (Billy Long: "There's a lot of things about the healthcare bill that are good") Today, he criticized Governor Nixon but later praised him for his actions in Joplin.

Long also told the commissioners later that he "was on their (FEMA's) radar" because he was on their case for not setting up assistance in Branson sooner.

Long said that the day after the Joplin tornado, FEMA's head called him up and told him that FEMA was coming to Joplin. Long told the caller that FEMA was already there. (Again criticizing then praising...do you ever wonder what kind of relationship Billy had with his parents while he was growing up?)

While speaking about the aftermath of the Joplin tornado, Billy said, "Somebody high up is coming on Wednesday. They told me not to make it public." wtf? Does this guy hold a security clearance? What does this statement mean and why did he even say it? Is this another on of Billy's "I know something you don't know" moments? Maybe he needs a shirt?

Billy then waltzed right into this statement: "I'm a Representative, I don't need an entourage or a security detail."

Then Billy transitioned into talking about his agricultural adviser, who used to work for Billy at his auction house. Billy said that Bob Kollmeir was his agricultural adviser and 'goes to all the ag meetings'. I am not sure what 'going to all the ag meetings' or being Billy's 'agricultural adviser' entails, but as Bungalow Bill points out, Long and Kollmeir have an interesting if not potentially ethically challenged relationship. Has Billy Long Created an Ethics Problem with Auction House and Agriculture Adviser?
Lot's of sticky questions contained in that post that I will probably never get to ask Billy.

Billy started talking about flood gates and flood levels, roads and bridges (he must have read the morning paper).

When a commission member asked Billy what his position was on the transportation committee, it appeared Billy didn't understand the question. Finally, Billy's befuddled reply was, "I'm on it."

Then, she arrived.

(to be continued)

update 06/07/2011 The Springfield News Leader's Cliff Sain also reports on the meeting: Representative Long calls for review of Corps' policies on reservoirs.

*Long's statement, viewed in context of the Corps spokesperson's remarks in that article ("There is a White River plan and there is a Mississippi River plan," she said. "It's comparing apples to oranges.") are further indication that once again Billy and his staff didn't do due dillegence before making this statement. In plain English, Billy doesn't know what he is talking about... what with his simplistic solutions to complex problems. Sound bites. The congressman talks in sound bites-- full of sound and fury and signifying nothing.

I wonder if Billy likes strawberries?

Just how afraid is Billy Long? Afraid enough to avoid any face to face contact with his constituents in a townhall meeting

Looks like Billy Long is, in spite of what he said last September ("I ain't afraid of anybody, anywhere, anytime"), afraid of somebody-- angry constituents who expect answers as to why he voted to "kill medicare".

Both The Turner Report and Bungalow Bill's Conservative Wisdom are reporting that, according aides of Long, he will not be hold any 'live' townhall meetings with constituents of the 7th district.

The Turner Report:

Anyone waiting for an opportunity to ask Seventh District Congressman Billy Long about the issues that affect southwest Missouri and the nation might as well forget it.

Long's aides are letting it be known that the Congressman feels he reached more people through his recent telephone town hall meeting than he could reach through in-person meetings.

Left unmentioned is the obvious: With the telephone meeting, Long may have reached thousands of people, but all they had a chance to do is listen to Long reel off folksy one-liners and take questions from carefully pre-screened listeners. I might add that in the one hour town hall meeting, Long only fielded five questions, with one of those being specifically about one man's problems with the Veterans Administration.

Since the most recent recess began, Long has made a point of saying what he has been told by the people of southwest Missouri. Since he only talked to five people during the electronic town hall meeting and has held no face-to-face meetings, who are these people and what have they told the Congressman?

Without the dealings with the public that are expected of all elected officials, how are we going to believe anything except that the only ones who have the ear of Congressman Billy Long are the ones who can provide sizable contributions to his campaign account?

Bungalow Bill's Conservative Wisdom:

Claire McCaskill has more balls than Billy Long. Doesn't it seem a little hypocritical that in August 2009, candidate Billy Long showed up outside of the Gilloz Theater to promote his own political career slapping Billy Long for Congress stickers on as many people as he could as Claire McCaskill prepared to face angry voters. I am no fan of Claire Mama Caskill, but Billy Long is beginning to impress me less, especially when you consider McCaskill is willing to give town hall meetings in the Republican dominated 7th District and Billy Long won't allow public town hall meetings unless they are in a controlled environment like the tele town hall meeting where voters can call in and listen to Billy Long answer the questions in a controlled environment.

Of course this means one obvious thing. Billy Long is afraid of the voters of Southwest Missouri. He fears accountability and tough questions that might actually show that Billy Long is a "fed up" hypocrite. No town hall meetings Billy? I thought you weren't afraid of anyone, anywhere, any time.

The voters of Southwest Missouri deserve better than Congressman Long and his rehearsed one-liners. Billy Long knows a live town hall meeting will confirm his own political incompetence. He is afraid of them knowing they would pose as the massacre that would end his political career.

Has Billy Long forgotten how to read?

Rep. Billy Long, shown speaking at an event in November, says he was unaware of complaints by ham radio enthusiasts. / News-Leader file photo, 2010

HB 607 -- which some see as containing an internet kill switch, is sponsored by Rep. Peter King.

The bill is co-sponsored by Representative Billy Long MO 7 (R).

You remember Billy, he's the guy who said, in an interview with the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security, "Peter King was looking for people who could take the tough votes," Rep. Long said. "So, for me to be named Vice Chairman—for a freshman, that's a pretty tall honor."

Hey, Billy, it looks like Peter King was looking for somebody who would do what he tells them to do.

Did you even read the bill Billy?

Others, when they weren't being visited by Sheriff Arnott and the F.B.I. took the time to read that bill and others Billy is co-sponsoring.

Bungalow Bill, who wrote the "Longiswrong" website and was one of several area bloggers who Arnott said were identified by Long and his office as "worrisome to Long", also tracks Billy's votes and bill sponsorships, writes of Billy's latest actions: "Do as Peter King Does...":

Congressman Peter King (R-NY) has introduced another piece of legislation, and to no surprise, Billy Long is once again the co-sponsor of the legislation. Now this is interesting since Billy Long said he was fed up with career politicians in Washington, because it's obvious now whatever Peter King does Billy Long follows.

So in two months, King has sponsored three high profile bills and Long's name has showed up on everyone of them, including the ones that grow government like the "If You See Something Say Something Act of 2011," which gives Janet Napolitano more power through a citizen spy network that you will soon see take form on video monitors at your local Walmart. As well, King and Long have been criticized for their collaboration to taken HAM radio frequencies and use them for emergency broadband internet WiFi frequencies, something that looks like it might be set up for the Internet kill switch. Now Long has put his name on King's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Security Authorization Act of 2011, H.R. 901, proving once again, Long is hanging with the career politicians rather than offer anything fresh to DC culture

This morning's SNL story about HB 607 (Ham radio operators are upset over bill) has this comment from Long:

But when asked about the provision in the bill that would sell off the frequency used by amateur radio operators, Long said that was news to him. He said he co-sponsored the bill because King, the homeland security chairman, asked him to and because the bill is supported by many organizations that are committed to public safety, something he values.

Here is copy from a press release Long's office sent out on 01/27/2011. It can be read in its entirety on Long's campaign website.

On the Committee on Homeland Security, Long will serve as the Vice Chairman on the Subcommittee for Oversight, Investigations, and Management. Long will also serve on the Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subcommittee and the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies Subcommittee.

“Keeping America safe is the No. 1 priority of the government” Long said. “I look forward to protecting our shores and making sure those serving our country have the best tools at their disposal.”

“Billy will be a true asset to the Homeland Security Committee as we work to protect our homeland from terrorists who plot against our nation,” said Congressman Peter King, R-N.Y., chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security. “As a business owner, he understands the importance of sound management. His business experience and skills will be critical as we oversee the Department of Homeland Security to ensure its programs are efficient and cost-effective.”

Yep, Peter King picked Long because Long would make those tough votes! Nevermind actually reading the bill.

Long just might be out of touch with the people he represents. Watch how he tries to deflect the criticism with this statement he gave the SNL:

"I know ham radio operators are important, but this is the first I've heard that they're upset about it," the Springfield Republican said, adding that his office gets thousands of letters and e-mails each week.

Long appears to be justifying not knowing what was in the bill he is co-sponsoring because he gets "thousands of letters and e-mails each week."

I guarantee you that Long knows what time his breakfast fundraiser starts and who's attending and he knows to the penny how much money Mitt Romney's PAC has given Billy's re-election campaign.

I have sent Billy Long several emails and requests. He has never replied to me. He continues to block me and others critical of him from following him on Twitter.

Some think that the 'newness' has worn off and Billy Long is in over his head.

Maybe he'll decide he wants to spend more time with his family.

Meanwhile consider this viewpoint from pp:

The people who voted Billy into office fit into three main categories:

1. The voters who would say yes to the likes of useless politicians like Steve Helms, as long as there's a "R" beside the name

2. The people and groups with the money in Billy's district i.e. Coca Cola, Silver Dollar City etc who funnel $$$ into his campaign who are always looking at "the bigger picture", and of course Gannet SN-L with their transparent endorsement

3. And last, but not least, the bigots who knew all along what Billy's nebulous "Fed Up?" meant.

Still Fed UP?

"Long has taken a low-profile path in his first year. He has joined the Republican Study Committee, a group of House conservatives, as well as the Songwriters Caucus and the Sportsmen's Caucus. But he declined an invitation to join the more high-profile Tea Party Caucus." Luckily he did have the time to join the "Cowboy Hat Caucus"

Low profile? You bet! Long is hard to find No live town hall meetings, screened press briefings, screens visitors to meetings, doesn't return phone calls. And in contrast to what Long told you, (The first-term lawmaker doesn't attend many news conferences or blast out a blizzard of press releases) he or someone in his office IS firing out press releases: http://long.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49§iontree=6,49

Long appears to be gearing up for a re-election campaign, using the theme of "I spent a year learning the ropes, you got to send be back up there because I know what to do now."

Last January, Billy Long gave to the F.B.I. the names of 6 bloggers who, in the words of the Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott, "were worrisome to Long". Arnott and an F.B.I. agent started visiting the bloggers, all of whom had written posts critical of Long. http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2011/01/fbi_visits_missouri_blogger_wh.php and http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/01/now-that-billys-got-those-pesky.html

Last March, Long co-sponsored a bill because Peter King asked him to, Long later said he didn't know what was in the bill. When bloggers broke the story, the SN-L interviewed Long: "But when asked about the provision in the bill that would sell off the frequency used by amateur radio operators, Long said that was news to him. He said he co-sponsored the bill because King, the homeland security chairman, asked him to and because the bill is supported by many organizations that are committed to public safety, something he values."

Last April, "The National Auctioneer's Association called the office and they said, "We want you to proclaim the third Saturday in April, which a lot of states already have an auctioneer's day, a lot of cities already have an auctioneer's day. They say, "We'd like for you to 'drop that bill'." The NAA was a major contributor to Long's campaign, giving $5,000 in June 2010 and another $5,000 after Billy dropped the bill. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-much-does-it-cost-to-drop-bill.html

The day after chastising fellow representatives who are just there for "window dressing", Long, following a series of meetings with PGA officials (Professional Golf Association), Long spoke on the House floor about the benefits of playing golf. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/pga-salutes-billy-long-for-his-speech.html and http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/billy-long.html

Long has the time to have a 'series of meetings with PGA golf lobbyists and then bars members of the press from meeting with him at a press briefing in Springfield http://bungalowbillscw.blogspot.com/2011/04/member-of-missouri-press-association.html

Long has a reputation for 'tweeting' --- two most glaring examples were his tweet on the death of Amy Winehouse. Comparing what he thought was her addiction to drugs to Congress' addiction to spending money http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2018730/Amy-Winehouses-death-compared-US-debt-crisis-congressman-Billy-Long.html and his mocking of the NWS tornado warning tests that are broadcast on the radio. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/05/joplin-congressman-bill-long-r-made-fun.html Long also made Keith Olbermann's "Worst Person in the World" list ..... twice. http://youtu.be/Ht3xYnAGgYU and http://youtu.be/I3Rugf19f10

Just yesterday he posted this tweet: auctnr1 Billy Long
"Congress won't be home for Christmas - a lot of our Troops won't be either - I think we can handle Christmas in DC - God Bless Our Troops" Long likes to wrap himself in a flag, up to the point of lacing up combat boots.

Then, there's that chicken business..... http://bungalowbillscw.blogspot.com/2011/12/update-on-usda-tyranny-of-dollarhite.html

But of course, Long is in his element when he explains to Sarah Steelman how you keep a free market free:

Last April, both Long and Senator McCaskill held meetings in MO7-- I attended both meetings and wrote about what I saw: http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/whats-difference-between-duck.html

As for Billy ---"Despite his lack of political experience and his outsider status, Long also seems comfortable in Washington. He's already made a half dozen or so good friends in the first year and seems to enjoy kibitzing with his colleagues (although he avoids Washington's night-time social circuit, preferring to go home for another sandwich and some rest.)" What Billy says he does and what Billy does are sometimes not the same: http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/long-spends-1333-in-campaign-funds-for.html and http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/06/million-dollar-billy.html

Our "smack talking auctioneer" who boasts of carrying around a dog-eared copy of the constitution in his pocket showed his true colors on the very first day the House was in session when he skipped the reading of the constitution to meet with a lobbyist.

It looks as if Long is getting himself in gear for a re-election campaign, It's an easy job, pays $14,500 a month, you only work two weeks a month and summer's off and great benefits. As Billy told you: "This job is not hard, It's not hard work. But it's long hours, and they keep you hopping all day."

Not too shabby of a quote from a guy who talks large and knows how to bluff.

If I were interviewing Billy, I would have asked him if he protested the fact that the congressional calendar has scheduled 145 days to not work in Washington. (Source: Congress At Your Fingertips, available in Long's office).

Then I would have asked what Long had done with all of this free time and what did his hand-picked group of 17 staffers do during that time.

Billy, being 'fed up' and all, I would have asked him to give specific details on how many times he met in his committee assignments and for copies of the speeches or his remarks or documents submitted outlining the specific cuts he recommended to downsize government and spending.

After all, he serves on the Homeland Security Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees, both big spenders. Why hasn't the fence been built between usn's and them's. Did he take a trip since he had 145 days off to investigate?

I would have asked Billy about his support of the Ryan budget plan which, despite Long's assurances that "we've got to honor our committment to our seniors, effectively kills Medicare and Social Security as we know it.

Billy Long's salary is $14,500 a month, plus benefits. The average Social Security recipient in MO7 doesnt' receive anywhere near $14,500 a year with no benefits from Social Security. But Billy, despite his assuring us "I ain't afraid of nobody" has phalanx of young men surrounding him, protecting him from those who are 'fed up' with Billy Long.

I would have suggested to Billy that if you are going to stand in front of a group of your constituents and tell them not to believe what they read in the paper,(as he did at Experience Works in April) you should at least tell them why. You should be well versed enough in the budget you voted for to explain what the misconceptions are and what the effects will or might be.

I would also ask Billy if this article in today's SN-L "A year later, Long is still 'fed up'" is an example of one of those things we read in the newspaper that we shouldn't believe.

For another perspective on Billy Long ascension to political office, read Do what you can, have fun with what you are doing for as long as you can, and don't let that place screw you up too bad."