Cruz is just the face, a happenstance. The "thing" being protected is an oligarchy that tolerates ineffective dissent.
I don't follow Limbaugh any more, but did years ago. This is not the first time he's buried or misrepresented facts and misled his audience (and in some cases his opinion would have made a difference, never mind the facts - e.g., government shutdown under Newt), not by a long shot.
The worker bees were his original support, for telling it like it is, why he was so refreshing and popular.
Ironically, it is what propels the current front runner, honesty and no kneeling before the PC gods.