Rush Limbaugh - when he speaks, who listens?

Rush Limbaugh (linked to source: lifenews)

If you are lucky enough to live under a rock where you are blissfully unaware of the Rush Limbaugh and his latest controversy, I am a little bit jealous. I'm so sick and tired of this story! Tonight on Out Front with Erin Burnett on CNN (which is hands down one of the best news programs period, and not just because she and I share a name), she interviewed David Axelrod, a top Obama adviser. They discussed the controversy and naturally compared it to Bill Maher's comments. In the end, they came to an unanswered question, which I now pose to you, kind readers.

Does Rush Limbaugh speak for Republicans?
Is he a defacto mouthpiece for the party?

As for me and my house- no, he is not. I have never listened to his show by choice. I have, on more than a few occasions, been exposed to it. I have heard enough to know what he talks about and what his style is. He isn't for me. When I was in high school every other week a neighbor drove my sister and I to early morning seminary (bible study). And we had to remain silent in the car so he could listen to the early morning promo teaser for Rush. Those teasers annoyed me to no end. (Mostly because they raised questions and I never got to hear the answers.) But I learned then I didn't like Rush. Twenty years later, I still don't like his style.

I say Rush speaks ABOUT Republican issues, and on some occasions, speaks from the GOP point of view. But he in no way speaks for the Republican party. But I do know enough people who swear by Rush and are devoted dittoheads, that I am willing to be corrected on this.

So again I ask-

Does Rush Limbaugh speak FOR Republicans? And by so, I mean when he speaks to Republicans listen and act?

Or does he speak ABOUT Republicans?

Your thoughts?