Rep. Billy Long makes comedic debut at congressional dinner: 'This is my coming out party tonight!'

Rep. Billy Long claims his staff wouldn’t let him go on television his first year in Congress, but after his scene-stealing debut of sorts at Wednesday’s Washington Press Club Foundation Congressional Dinner, it's likely that cable bookers will soon be calling the freshman lawmaker.

The Missouri Republican cracked up the crowd of hundreds of journalists, Capitol Hill staffers and legislators at the 68th annual fete at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. As Long took to the dais, he declared he considers himself the “unknown congressman.” 

Having never appeared on news networks, he lamented he’s virtual "Mr. Cellophane." But he was quick to exclaim to the hundreds of journalists and lawmakers there for the yearly gathering: “This is my coming out party tonight!”

And the rotund Long came out with a bang, joking about how he’s confused with other politicians with similar physiques such as Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas). He then wondered aloud why he hasn’t been mixed up with Men’s Health shirtless cover star Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.), asking, “How can they prove he has the best abs in Congress if they’ve never wanted to see mine?”

The wisecracking lawmaker ended his comedic rant by making another self-deprecating jab at his waistline, saying with a smile, “My wife got me a talking scale for Christmas. I went on and it said, ‘One at a time, please.’”

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) also got in a few zingers. 

While unveiling a slideshow of different landmarks from her home state, the senator pointed out a tree, which she said finished ahead of ex-Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry and beat him in a debate. Shaheen also took a jab at White House hopeful Newt Gingrich’s relationship history. Showing a photo of a spotted newt (which she says is New Hampshire’s official state amphibian) the senior senator cracked, “This Newt mates for life.”

The fun didn’t stop after the dinner was over. Guests shimmied the night away at The Hill’s after party. The Second Amendments, a band made up of former and current lawmakers, provided the tunes for the late-night soiree.

Money raised from the sold-out dinner benefits the journalism organization.