Billy Long: Las Vegas trips help me learn about cutting edge technology

Now we know why Billy Long goes to Las Vegas.

While many Long doubters have said his trips involved more nefarious activities, like perhaps gambling and having a drink or two, the Seventh District Congressman says he goes there for the technology.

Long's travel itinerary is explored in an article in today's Springfield News-Leader, which notes that Long travels more than all but a few members of Congress.

Long has twice attended the Consumer Electronics Association’s annual trade show, hosted in January in Las Vegas. A member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Long said the event helped him learn about cutting-edge technology and other issues that come before the panel.

Of course, these are the trips to Vegas that are paid for by the special interest group and not the ones noted earlier in the Turner Report that have been paid for by Long's campaign contributors.

A list of Long's trips that were paid for by special interests is printed below.

Destination: Las Vegas
Dates: Jan. 8-11, 2012
Purpose: “Toured Show Floor as part of the Leaders in Technology Program, watched product demonstrations and met with company representatives about products.”
Spouse along?: Yes
Sponsor: Consumer Electronics Association
Total cost: $1,992
Destination: Philadelphia
Dates: Jan. 25-27, 2012
Purpose: “2012 Conservative Members Retreat, “The Spirit of Independence” ”
Spouse along?: Yes
Sponsor: Heritage Foundation
Total cost: $1,584
Destination: Boston
Dates: July 20-21, 2012
Purpose: “Luncheon entitled, “How a Bill Becomes Law - In Real Life!” ”
Spouse along?: No
Sponsor: American Association of Law Libraries
Total cost: $788
Destination: Las Vegas
Dates: Jan. 7-10, 2013
Purpose: “I visited exhibits on the show floor and attended the Leaders in Technology Dinner.”
Spouse along?: Yes
Sponsor: Consumer Electronics Association
Total cost: $1,998
Destination: Shanghai, China
Dates: Jan. 24-31, 2013
Purpose: “Attended meetings with Chinese government officials and business leaders regarding trade issues and American business opportunities in China.”
Spouse along?: No
Sponsor: National Committee on U.S.-China Relations
Total cost: $7,907
Destination: Baltimore
Dates: Feb. 6-8, 2013
Purpose: “Attended educational briefings and seminars on current issues facing the 113th Congress.”
Spouse along?: Yes
Sponsor: Heritage Foundation
Total cost: $1,526
Destination: Istanbul, Turkey
Dates: April 1-7, 2013
Purpose: “US Role in a Rapidly Changing Middle East.”
Spouse along?: Yes
Sponsor: Aspen Institute
Total cost: $17,660
Destination: Baku, Azerbaijan
Dates: Nov. 21-26, 2013
Purpose: “Congressional Delegation to Azerbaijan.”
Spouse along?: Yes
Sponsor: Humpty Dumpty Institute
Total cost: $13,506
Source: Gannett Washington Bureau analysis of data from Political MoneyLine; trip purpose taken from disclosures Long’s office filed with the House Ethics Committee.