JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – B.W. Robinson has been in the Capitol longer than many politicians.

For 21 years he has been a doorman for the Missouri Senate.

He started out as a teacher, working in a rural country school.

After teaching for 46 years he became assistant commissioner for education for the state of Missouri.

“I went from being a backwoods teacher, to being in charge of the whole state,” Robinson said.

In 1981 he retired from the post and came to the Senate in 1982.

His favorite part of the job is when there is a strong debate between the senators. During his time as doorman he has seen three filibusters shut down by the previous question rule.

There have only been five times where the Senate chose to use this rule.

“The Senate has sought to avoid previous question, being a deliberate body where everyone has a say,” Robinson said.

“It is rarely used.”

As doorman his job is to open the door, assist visitors in getting the attention of the senators, hand out copies, make sure no one uses a camera without approval and be ready to seize the senators when it is time for role call. Robinson has never had to throw anyone out.

He has had to warn and call down people.

“Just a few minutes ago I had to tell someone phones weren’t allowed in here,” Robinson said.

“He wanted to know why. I guess he didn’t read the signs.”

Robinson is active in many civic activities including church and the Lions Club.

He is an active voter but not an active politician.

At 83 he still has his hearing and is pretty quick to open the heavy Senate doors.

When a large mass of grade school students wished to get a view from the gallery he stopped them first.

“I know a lot of you want to sit down close, but you won’t be able to see what’s going on,” Robinson said.

“So I’m going to sit you where you can get a good view.

“How many of you are there? Thirty?”

“One hundred,” said one brown-haired boy.

Robinson did not even flinch.