SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - Political newcomer Billy Long has won election to the southwest Missouri House seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Roy Blunt.
Long, a Republican, defeated Democrat Scott Eckersley in Tuesday's election for the 7th District. Blunt did not seek re-election because he ran for - and won - the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Republican Kit Bond's retirement.
Long is a 55-year-old auctioneer and real estate agent from Springfield.
Eckersley is 33 and also was making his first run for office. His campaign was financed partly with money he received in a settlement with the state after being fired as a legal counsel for former Republican Gov. Matt Blunt.