Long said Harper earns $3,000 a month from the Senate Republican Caucus to research people and subjects important to the Senate. Members of the Republican Caucus use his findings to educate themselves about gubernatorial cabinet and judicial nominees who are seeking confirmation.
"Frankly, it's an important duty of the Senate," Long said.
Harper, after looking into the backgrounds of Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell's appointees, provides the information to Republican senators. Some call it "opposition research."
"Ron is an independent contractor," Long said. "It's a different kind of relationship because he doesn't report directly to anyone, and we know he has other assignments."
Harper said he also does research for a variety of political consulting companies.
"The (caucus is) one of several clients I do work for," Harper said. "I also provide research on policy issues that are important to upcoming votes."
Harper said to avoid the appearance of impropriety he doesn't take business related to Lancaster County politics.
"I have never and will never (do) opposition research in a county race," he said. "Anything I do in the county on county politicians is purely voluntary."
For at least a year, Harper has operated beneath the radar of most senators - both Democrat and Republican.
Sen. Gib E. Armstrong, a Refton Republican who represents part of Lancaster County, said he didn't find out until about six weeks ago that Harper contracts for the caucus.
"I found out about it and went to Mike Long and said, 'Did we hire this guy?' He looked at me and said, 'Yes, we did.' I just couldn't believe it," Armstrong said.
"From what I understand, he was very influential in helping Sen. Rob Wonderling defeat his opponent in Montgomery County," Armstrong said. "Apparently, Wonderling's opponent did work with a redevelopment authority down there and was putting properties in his own name. Well, when that came out, it was over."
Armstrong said he rarely talks to Harper.
"But I've always been intrigued by the guy," Armstrong said. "I think he's proven himself. I don't know who his sources are, but they're good."
Long said Harper's expedience sets him apart from other researchers.
"He is extensive and he is thorough and he is quite fast in the way he goes through material," Long said. "It's amazing how quickly he can go through a vast amount of information."
Senate Majority Caucus Chairman Noah Wenger, a Stevens Republican, declined to discuss Harper's work for the caucus.
"I don't handle that particular part (of the caucus' activities)," Wenger said. "I'd really rather not be quoted on that."
State Rep. Katie True, who worked briefly for Jubelirer's office in 2001, said Harper's work for the Senate Republican Caucus is no secret in Harrisburg.
"I have seen him with his badge on walking through the Capitol," she said. "I just saw him last week. There's not been any attempt to hide anything. It's been very open."
Despite Harper's local notoriety, Long said, he is widely respected in Harrisburg.
"I've had a great working relationship with Ron," Long said. "He's very passionate. Not everybody brings that kind of passion with them to this kind of work."