GOP honors Limbaugh, not Black History Month

State Senate votes came back-to-back

MADISON - Senate Republicans voted to honor conservative radio show host Rush Limbaugh and against recognizing Black History Month in consecutive votes that rocked the chamber on Tuesday.

Democratic lawmakers accused Republicans of embracing racism by refusing to take up a resolution that would honor Black Americans but agreeing to pass one that recognized a man who made fun of them.

“You own this. You own his rhetoric. You own his sentiment. The (GOP caucus) owns this — his racism,” Sen. LaTonya Johnson, D-Milwaukee, said after reading off statements Limbaugh said before he died earlier this year that included comparing NBA players to gang members and referred to former President Barack Obama as “halfrican American.”

Republican lawmakers in the resolution called Limbaugh’s voice “unforgettable” and praised him for galvanizing support for conservative policies.

Sen. André Jacque, R-De Pere, criticized Democrats for speaking “ill of the dead,” and said Limbaugh deserved to be honored because of his fundraising in support of cancer research and veterans causes, among other issues.

“He was a bold conservative voice, he was a cultural phenomenon, but also very importantly, he was a philanthropist,” Jacque said.

Ultimately, two Republican senators in swing districts declined

“I’m just disgusted with this body. Resolutions are being used to poke people in the eye. On both sides.”

Sen. Dale Kooyenga R-Brookfield

to vote on the resolution.

“I’m just disgusted with this body. Resolutions are being used to poke people in the eye. On both sides,” Republican Sen. Dale Kooyenga of Brookfield said before refusing to vote on the Limbaugh resolution. “Your cultural wars will not be solved in this chamber with your resolutions.”

Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Green Bay, also didn’t vote.

Limbaugh, who died of lung cancer last month at age 70, has been lionized by Republicans for his decades of promoting conservative ideals and skewering liberal politicians and proposals.

MARK HOFFMAN / MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL Senate President Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, standing far left, and State Sen. Tim Carpenter, D-Milwaukee, standing center, speak as bills are discussed during the state Senate session Tuesday at the Capitol in Madison. They are spaced farther apart due to COVID-19.

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