The Missouri House has spent more than $1,100 in taxpayer money on a security camera to keep watch over a new bronze bust of conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh, the House clerk said Thursday.
Clerk Adam Crumbliss said he authorized the camera after discussions with Republican legislative leaders because of concerns the sculpture of Limbaugh's head and shoulders might be vandalized.
"We recognize that there was a level of controversy around it, and we want to make sure that property is protected," Crumbliss said. "We've had lots of calls, and some calls and complaints have been a little beyond the pale."
Limbaugh was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians last week during a closed-door ceremony in the House chamber as police stood guard to keep out any uninvited political opponents or protesters.
After news broke in March that House Speaker Steven Tilley had selected Limbaugh for the honor, the chamber's Republican leader was sharply criticized by Democratic lawmakers, liberal activists and some women's groups. Protesters wheeled 600 rolls of toilet paper into the middle of Tilley's Capitol office in Jefferson City, Mo., encouraging him to "Flush Rush!" and delivered about 35,000 petition signatures against Limbaugh's induction.
