Limbaugh's Missouri Hall of Fame Statue Gets $1,100 Security Camera Over Vandalism Concerns

The bronze bust of Rush Limbaugh recently placed in the Missouri state House now has its very own $1,100 security camera.

House Clerk Adam Crumbliss told the Associated Press he authorized the camera over concerns the sculpture of the radio host's head and shoulders might be vandalized.

"We recognize that there was a level of controversy around it, and we want to make sure that property is protected," Crumbliss said. "We've had lots of calls, and some calls and complaints have been a little beyond the pale."

As The Blaze previously reported, Limbaugh's induction into the Hall of Famous Missourians -- alongside President Harry Truman, Walt Disney, Walter Cronkite and others -- prompted a flurry of anger among state Democrats. The actual induction ceremony was held behind closed doors, presumably to keep out any uninvited opposition.

(Related: Rush Limbaugh Hits Critics in Acceptance Speech After His Induction Into Hall of Famous Missourians)

According to the Associated Press, there is a general security camera at the center of the state's Capitol Rotunda; Limbaugh's statue is the only one under extra surveillance.

Assistant House Minority Leader Tishaura Jones, a Democrat, told the AP the taxpayer-funded camera was both a surprise and a concern. She suggested the money could have been better spent on legislative staff salaries.

"If they thought that the bust might be defaced or vandalized and they have to guard it with a camera, it's another indication that maybe they shouldn't have put it there," Jones said. "It's another chapter in this never-ending saga of this man who deserves no honor in the people's house."

Limbaugh's bust, like others in the hall, was financed through private donations.

Crumbliss said the state House has been considering installing cameras in its chamber to stream live broadcasts of its sessions, and said the Limbaugh security camera could serve as a pilot program to test picture quality.