Limbaugh bust now on display in Capitol

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The bust of radio host Rush Limbaugh now is on display at the Missouri Capitol with fellow members of the Hall of Famous Missourians.

Limbaugh's bust was positioned Monday near the doors to the House chamber, across the corridor from the bust of a fellow Southeast Missourian, former Democratic Gov. Warren Hearnes.

The induction of the conservative talk show icon has prompted controversy. Limbaugh was honored during a ceremony at the Capitol that was open to reporters but not to the general public. House Democrats sought to prevent the bust from being displayed in the Capitol rotunda.

Conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh poses with a bust in his likeness during a secretive ceremony inducting him into the Hall of Famous Missourians on Monday, May 14, 2012, in the state Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo. (AP Photo/Julie Smith)

Several dozen people have been chosen for the Hall of Famous Missourians, generally by House speakers. Others include President Harry Truman, Walt Disney, George Washington Carver and Stan Musial.

Limbaugh was selected for the honor by House Speaker Steven Tilley, R-Perryville. Last week local representatives Wayne Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau, and Donna Lichtenegger, R-Jackson, both said they supported the decision to induct the controversial radio host into the hall.