Fed's gain is state high court's loss

To the editor:

When Judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr. of Cape Girardeau takes his place on U.S. District Court for eastern Missouri later this summer, the Missouri Supreme Court will lose an outstanding jurist. During his 16 years on the state high court, including a two-year turn as chief justice, Judge Limbaugh participated in countless rulings that will continue to influence the interpretation of the Missouri Constitution and state law for generations.

As the Southeast Missourian's former Capitol correspondent, I owe a debt of gratitude to Judge Limbaugh for graciously taking the time to walk me through complex legal issues during my early years covering the Supreme Court. His patient guidance helped me develop a rich appreciation for Missouri's constitutional and legal history and enabled me to do a better job of informing the readers of this paper.

Although the U.S. Senate's recent confirmation of Judge Limbaugh's appointment to the federal bench is good news, his departure will leave a void on Missouri's highest court.

MARC POWERS, Columbia, Mo.