Bill names courthouse for Limbaugh Sr.

Legislation has been introduced into the U.S. Senate proposing to name Cape Girardeau's new federal courthouse after the late Rush H. Limbaugh Sr.

"It is only fitting that the new federal courthouse in Cape Girardeau be named after this great hero of American jurisprudence," U.S. Sen. Kit Bond said in a joint news release with U.S. Sen. Jim Talent. The two senators introduced the legislation Thursday.

Limbaugh's son, federal Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Sr., said he was humbled and surprised by the news.

"It's not very often that our family is speechless, and I'm pretty close," he said.

Rush Limbaugh Sr. practiced law for nearly 80 years until his death at the age of 104 in 1996. During his career, he argued more than 60 cases before the Missouri Supreme Court and was involved in numerous legal and civic organizations.

While Stephen Limbaugh said his father would likely say other notable people were worthy of having a courthouse named after them, Talent disagreed.

"I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor," the senator said in the release. Rush Limbaugh "was a leader in his community and a leader in the practice of law."

Mayor Jay Knudtson called the legislation a "first-rate idea."

"The Limbaugh family has represented Cape Girardeau with absolute class and professionalism, and there is no better example than Rush H. Limbaugh Sr.," he said.

U.S. Rep Jo Ann Emerson said naming the federal building after Limbaugh was something she had discussed with the senators. She said she planned on introducing an identical bill in the House next week. If the legislation passes both chambers, the name becomes official, something Emerson saw no problem in doing.

"We're not talking about controversial legislation," she said.

The $50 million courthouse, at Independence and Frederick streets, is slated to open in early 2007.

Emerson said she expected the legislation to be passed by year's end, perhaps earlier.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

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