News-Leader: Billy Long came through on debt ceiling vote

The Springfield News-Leader, which ripped Seventh District Congressman Billy Long in a recent editorial, approved of his vote on the debt ceiling compromise this week:

We are particularly pleased that Springfield Republican U.S. Rep. Billy Long was able to set aside his concerns and vote in favor.

He joined other conservatives in declaring victory over a bill that "might not be perfect, but it's a step in the right direction."

Earlier, it seemed Long had aligned himself with a group of hard-line congressmen who were willing to risk the consequences of leaving the government to choose which bills to pay today.

In our July 24 editorial, we argued such a move put the government's credit rating -- and perhaps our whole economy -- at risk. We urged Long to use his proven business skills and pursue common-sense solutions that looked out for the best interests of his constituents, not just make statements that appeal to people at the extremes.

In explaining his support for the compromise, Long said: "It has real spending cuts, tough spending controls, a balanced budget provision and no tax increases."