Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Billy Long spends $1,133 for initiation, dues in exclusive D. C. club


Seventh District Congressman Billy Long is so fed up with Washington, that one of the first things he did upon arriving in town is fork over $1,133 for membership in the exclusive Capitol Hill Club, according to his quarterly report, filed Tuesday with the Federal Election Commission.

Long raised $78,517 during the quarter and spent $34,813.15, leaving him with $73,263.35 in his account, according to the report.

"The club is described on its website as "a national social club for Republicans. The stately second floor Presidential Dining Room offers splendid cuisine prepared by our renowned chefs. This room is a favorite place for Senators, Representatives and their guests to dine and discuss the day’s political agenda. The dining room is open for lunch and dinner and is a superb venue for your most memorable weekend events.

"On our lower level, members enjoy the informal atmosphere of the Auchincloss Grill for breakfast, lunch, afternoon drinks and dinner. Always a popular spot, the Grill is especially busy after a late-night session of Congress.

"Named after the Club’s earlier address on C Street, the 75 Room feels like your own living room, with its sofas and nooks. The room offers wireless internet service to members for additional convenience.

"The third and fourth levels include a variety of dining and meeting rooms appropriate for all types of business and social occasions. The newly renovated fourth flour suites are an elegant setting for all events, whether a lunch meeting or evening reception. Groups from 10 to 400 can be accommodated with ease. High speed internet access is available in all our rooms.

"The third floor Bolton Room with its graceful furnishings is the perfect setting for distinctive banquets and receptions."

Of course, membership in the club might be a good thing if Long was using the access to conduct people's business, but club laws do not allow that to happen:

No member shall carry on or transact any business or indulge in the practice of any profession in the Club at any time.

The club has a strict dress code, according to the website:

Gentlemen will please wear coats and ties in the Main Dining Room. Coats with sport shirts will be acceptable throughout the other areas of the Club. Current trends dictate the acceptability of ladies’ high-fashion attire.

Now while he is being "fed up," Billy Long will also have a place to be fed.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

this is crazy Randy. The Democrats have such a club in Washington...I've been in it...it's filled with Democratic leaders, both from the past and present day...there's nothing wrong with Congress people wanting a place out of public view to relax.

This is an example of your effort to paint everything as evil. I say both Republicans and Democrats should have such a place and I hope they have time to use it.

Anonymous said...

Randy - you need to get out more often...and not just to play a "gig" in Granby

Randy said...

When I notice the Democrats are paying their membership fees out of their campaign money, I will be happy to mention it.

The point, however, is that Billy Long ran as the ultimate outsider who was fed up with Washington and its ways and his quarterly report shows he is anything but fed up, he has bought in lock, stock, and barrel.

What is crazy is how we have come to accept this kind of behavior (including the reliance on special interest money and lobbyists by both parties) as totally acceptable.

As for the cheap shot about getting out more often, I would prefer to continue to be one of those public servants who actually gives the taxpayers their money's worth. I will stay put, thank you.

Anonymous said...

Keep doing what you're doing...the intelligent humans appreciate it. As for your spare time, keeping me informed about idiot moves by politicians seems like a fine thing to occupy your time.

Anonymous said...

what does getting out more often have to do with giving "taxpayers their money's worth"...I would think if you got away from home once in a while and visit some historic sites and parks, you would be able to share the experience with your students...help them appreciate their country and its history...or maybe you don't believe kids should learn to love and appreciate America.

As a teacher, I would like to hear about that full time public teacher who is paid $24,000...show me

Busplunge said...

Can he wear his cowboy hat in there?

Anonymous said...

Does it have a gym? The guy needs a gym!

Anonymous said...

Does it feature a giant steak for $28.50 called "The Billy Long?" Maybe it will in the near future, just like the Metro Grill in Springtown.

Timeshare Jake said...

@anonymous 4:52, you seem to forget that Long rode to town claiming to fed up with the Washington status quo, while attacking politicians who are addicted to OPM-other peoples' money. Isn't it ironic, Long used other peoples' money to embrace the same career politicians he once claimed he was fed up with.