Republicans Acting Like Democrats During Town Hall Meetings: Billy Long and Vicky Hartzler Shielded From Tough Questions

There are a few Republicans in Missouri who are acting like Democrats during the Obamacare healthcare debate when it comes to Town Hall Meetings. For Congressman Billy Long, well he scheduled no live town hall meetings like most of Congress did as they recessed for two weeks. With many important issues like the national debt, the economy, and unemployment, Congressman Long chose not to be accountable to voters.

Instead, Long played it safe and had a back up plan so he could say he had a town hall meeting. He held it over the phone where its easier and assured the questions would be controlled for Long's own comfort--after all if it were for a few Democrats, Long would have the lowest IQ in public--quoting Larry the Cable Guy over the founding fathers.

Long's hour long tele-town hall meeting consisted of only five question. Five easy questions that according to the Turner Report, was a total waste of time. Had Long made an appearance for town halls in the ten Missouri counties he represents, he would have faced unknown questions--questions that he ran from during the entire campaign. Remember, candidate Billy Long was caught receiving text messaged answers on his iPhone from one of his handlers during one of the candidate forums.

Now we are finding that Vicky Hartzler fears the unknown as well. Her town hall meetings appear to be scripted with pre-approved questions. The Kansas City Star reports:

About 8 o’clock one night I received a phone invitation to participate in a live teleconference in which I could ask U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler a question about any concerns. I indicated my interest and was told that I would be called on soon. After a half-dozen or more questions from some very supportive participants, I was asked for my name and question.

“I have to tell you my question before I can talk to Hartzler?” I asked. The reply was a firm yes. So I gave her my question:

“Why does Hartzler rail against government intrusion into our lives and government spending when her family has received thousands of dollars in federal farm subsidies? Isn’t that a bit hypocritical?”

I then heard, “He wants to talk to you about your farm subsidies.” Another voice, I assume Hartzler’s, replied, “I’ll deal with that later. Go to the next caller.”

My question opportunity disappeared.

If this happens again, I will have an innocent question ready, and when we go live, I’ll fire my zinger.

Frankly, I don’t blame the Hartzler camp. I wouldn’t let me on their program either.

Come on Republicans. You are supposed to be the party of Reagan, a quick thinker who could handle nearly any question. Why do you have to act like Democrats when it comes to town hall meetings? Heck even Claire Mama Caskill takes tough questions she didn't prepare for.

You wanted this job, and you need to be accountable to the voters who elected you--all of them.