"Do you want me to tell the truth or do you want me to lie to you?"

In an email to a supporter who asked our favorite auctioneer about rumors of his gambling habits, Billy Long asked, "Do you want me tell you the truth or do you want me to lie to you?"

Long then proceeded to tell the supporter a tale that was easily debunked.

Then, when Springfield News-Leader reporter Cory deVera asked Long about his gambling habits, Long didn't answer her. Instead, he went back to his campaign headquarters (presumably) where he wrote in an e-mail:

The truth is less exciting than the rumors. I have played cards and my family and I have been to Las Vegas. I've built a successful small business, raised two beautiful daughters and have been married to the same wonderful woman for over 26 years. It should be obvious that this is not a big part of my life and that it's nothing more to me than a way to relax.

He answered by email.

He answered the tough question by email where there was no chance for follow-up questions about his gambling habits. The SN-L gave him a pass. (He also refused questions earlier at a Greene County Pachyderm meeting held at Millie's cafe)

The SN-L also gave Long a pass on the Social Security issue.

The SN-L also gave Long a pass on wanting to eliminate farm subsidies.

The SN-L also gave Long a pass on his mantra of wanting to "repeal and replace Obamacare" even as he was saying there is a "lot of good things in Obamacare."

The SN-L gave Long a pass on his relationship with Roy Blunt, to include campaign contributions made in November, 2009.

The SN-L gave Long a pass when he came out against the 17th amendment in the SN-L on KZRG radio, and in the Joplin Globe. (Long actually compared himself to Durwood G. Hall and Gene Taylor in the Joplin story)

The SN-L also gave Long a pass when allegations of racism, sexism and hate speech were made against him: D. Stoeffler of the SN-L wrote in the comments section of today's story: "we have consciously chosen not to write a story, although we continue to look into it." and "unless new information comes to light or circumstances change, we do not believe a story on the allegations is justified."

So when is the SN-L going to ask Long the tough questions? I asked them.

btw--Today someone told me the SN-L is giving Long a pass because he is a big advertiser. I told this person Long needs the SN-L as much as the SN-L needs Long. The paper needs the revenue and Long needs the advertising audience the paper provides.

also--I have printer's ink in my blood, literally. When I was 11 or 12 I got my finger caught in a letterpress printing press. My father was a newspaper editor and I understand and appreciate the hard work it takes to put out a newspaper. I understand the pressure of a deadline.

I appreciate the task the staff of the Springfield News-Leader does everyday because I have done it also. And, Unlike me, the reporters at the SN-L do not have the luxury of time to devote to the 7th district race and candidates that I do.

But, the coverage is superficial. I mean, come on, Chula and Little Bear? Dead dogs and Democrats?