Rep. Billy Long raised eyebrows when an invitation to an event launching his Missouri Senate campaign listed his state’s two Republican senators, Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, as “honorary co-chairmen” of his bid for higher office.
Except neither Blunt, who is retiring next year, nor Hawley have endorsed Long, who jumped into the Senate race late Tuesday. Spokesmen for Blunt and Hawley confirmed in statements to the Washington Examiner Wednesday morning that they remain neutral in the Republican Senate primary, which includes former Gov. Eric Greitens, Rep. Vicky Hartzler, and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt.
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“Sen. Blunt is not endorsing anyone at this time,” said Katie Boyd, a spokeswoman for the outgoing senator.
“Congressman Long asked Josh to be a host of this event, but as a congressional candidate and before he was a Senate candidate,” Hawley chief of staff Kyle Plotkin added. “Josh is no longer a host, and he hasn’t endorsed anyone.”
The most coveted endorsement in this race belongs to former President Donald Trump, who thus far is keeping his powder dry even as he backs candidates in other key GOP primaries. Long is considered a long shot — for Trump’s endorsement and to win the primary. However, he does enjoy the backing of Kellyanne Conway, campaign manager of the former president’s 2016 campaign and a top adviser to him in the White House.
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According to a copy of the invitation to Long’s Senate campaign launch event, the congressman was scheduled to unveil his bid on Aug. 11 in Springfield, Missouri. It’s unclear if the several other supporters listed on the invitation have agreed to support Long’s Senate bid, as opposed to his reelection to the House in 2022, should he end up running.
