State Representative candidate feels misled by local Tea Party

Is this a case of dirty politics or just miscommunication? Republican State Representative candidate Jerry Long says he was the victim of a “blindside and scheme” put together by local Tea Party leader Art Havenhill.

After a day of knocking on doors campaigning, Long says he went to Pitstick’s in Ottawa last night for an informal Tea Party gathering where he thought he was going to take a few questions and make a short speech. Long says he knew after seeing opponent Jacob Bramel of Marseilles in a suit and tie that it wasn’t an informal gathering after all.

Long says he doesn’t regret appearing in casual attire because “that’s who I am”. It is worth noting that Bramel in the past has had the Tea Party motto and logo as his Facebook profile picture.