STATUE IDEA TOPPLED

State Rep. Mary Kasten's plan to erect a statue in honor of the late Rush H. Limbaugh has been toppled by opposition from the Limbaugh family.

Kasten said Friday that she would look for another way to honor Limbaugh, a well-known Cape Girardeau lawyer who died April 8 at the age of 104.

"I still think his life is an example of the great American who came from working circumstances and made such an impact on people's lives," she said.

Kasten had explored the idea of raising private funds to erect a full-size statue of Limbaugh in the Common Pleas Courthouse Park.

She had gone so far as to write letters to some of Cape's civic leaders, including the mayor, and had even inquired about an artist for the project.

She said a number of citizens had expressed support for the idea. "I have had people calling already and offering money."

But Kasten said she won't pursue the idea because members of the Limbaugh family object to it. Kasten initially pushed the concept without talking to the Limbaugh family.

But Kasten said Friday, "The family is not favorable and I certainly wouldn't want to do anything that they would be embarrassed about. They said Mr. Limbaugh would not have liked this kind of tribute."

Limbaugh's son, U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, said Wednesday he wasn't ready for a monument to his father.

He said it would be more appropriate for the city to honor its founder, Louis Lorimier, or Louis Houck, who was one of the city's leading citizens and entrepreneurs.

Still, Kasten is convinced something can be done to honor Limbaugh.

"There are lots of people who want to do something and make his memory live on," she said.