Missouri state senator proposes ‘Rush Limbaugh Day’

A Republican Missouri state senator this week proposed legislation that would designate a day honoring late conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh. 

State Sen. Holly Rehder (R), proposed the measure during a Tuesday Missouri Senate committee meeting to make Jan. 12, which was Limbaugh’s birthday, “Rush Limbaugh Day” in the state, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

A similar bill was introduced in the House in February, calling for the community to celebrate by “participating in appropriate events and activities to remember the life of the famous Missourian and groundbreaking radio host,” the outlet noted.

Limbaugh died in February at the age of 70 due to complications with lung cancer.

Over the course of a more than 30-year career, Limbaugh garnered a reputation for provocative and often controversial comments during his radio show. He was a hero for conservatives but often angered and offended others for comments he made about race, women’s issues and politics in general. 

The late host was an ardent support of former President Trump, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the former commander in chief shortly after he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. 

Democrats in the state of Missouri opposed the measure, saying that Limbaugh’s previous comments and career made him a divisive figure.

“I don’t know what message it sends to everyone who lives in this state that we are honoring someone who at times used pretty hateful rhetoric,” state Sen. Lauren Arthur (D) told the Missouri Independent.

Rehder argued that Limbaugh was “larger than life” and said that he “was a conservative voice for millions of Americans,” according to the Post-Dispatch.