(SPRINGFIELD, Mo.) Billy Long’s campaign put out a fundraising invite, which appeared on Facebook on June 15, announcing a reception featuring former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman.
The letter invites donors to join a list of hosts, featuring names like David Steelman, Congressman Mel Hancock and David Humphreys, for a “reception in support of Billy Long, featuring Former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman.”
Steelman, since the beginning of the primary, has long been thought by many in southwest Missouri to be a Jack Goodman supporter. A source close to the two said Steelman is not endorsing Long, that she “likes Jack,” and has called Goodman’s donors who have long supported her telling them just that.
Long speaking at a media event in Joplin. (TFJ Photo/Natalie Preston)
Organizers of the event, however, wonder why anyone would think that Steelman was a Goodman supporter, saying that would be a “surprise.”
Sources close to Steelman say “she is appearing at that event as a favor to her friend Jeff Layman,” but very much suggest that it is not an endorsement.
None of these figures were available for comment Sunday evening, but after questioning from TFJ, the fundraising letter was taken down from Facebook.
