Author David Limbaugh signs book to raise funds for library

The Friends of the Cape Girardeau Public Library got a boost Thursday from home-grown best-selling author David Limbaugh.

The writer of "Absolute Power" was on hand to talk about the writing process and give signed copies of his book at a fund raiser for the library foundation.

Held at the home of John and Jerrianne Wyman, Limbaugh was teased that as many people were there to see the inside of the historic three-story house on Merriwether Street as wanted a signed copy of his book.

Indeed, the group of about 65 guests marveled over artwork by 1930s-era Cairo, Ill.-painter Virginia Herbert and antiques in an eclectic mix of styles and periods.

In light of recent terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Limbaugh declined to discuss the subject matter of the book, the full title of which is "Absolute Power: The Legacy of Corruption in the Clinton-Reno Justice Department."

"I don't want to talk about things that are dividing or inharmonious right now," he said. "There will be plenty of time to slam Clinton in the future."

Instead he described the research, writing, editing and marketing process involved in creating a book that hit the No. 2 spot on the New York Times best seller list.

Limbaugh, a Cape Girardeau lawyer and nationally syndicated columnist and political commentator, is brother to radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh.

His brother's fame helped launch the book, he said.

"I say that with no real hang ups," Limbaugh said.

But it's a source of pride that his book made the best seller list before his brother said a word about it.

Sales boost

Still, sales did go up when Rush Limbaugh plugged "Absolute Power."

"Some are Kool-Aid drinkers enough to buy it on his word alone," he joked.

Describing a book tour that included more than 100 radio shows and a dozen television appearances, he said he has new respect for marketers.

The money raised will pay for renovations, services and programs like the summer reading club.

Martha Kinney, president of the library foundation, said plans for the future may include a coffee bar and a new reference area.

abuchanan@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160