The Flyover View: Average Joe The Plumber?
The local press in OH is in high gear the day after John McCain used Toledo resident Joe "The Plumber" Wurzelbacher as the cornerstone of his message in the debate last night. And after a night's worth of vetting, the plumber McCain hoped to showcase as an average Joe who would be hurt by Barack Obama's tax proposals turns out to be something of a mystery man.
From the Toledo Blade:
[Wurzelbacher] isn’t a plumber — at least not a licensed one, or a registered one.
A check of state and local licensing agencies in Ohio and Michigan shows no plumbing licenses under Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher’s name, or even misspellings of his name.
Wurzelbacher told reporters Thursday morning that he worked for Newell Plumbing & Heating Co., a small local firm whose business addresses flow back to several residential homes, including one on Talmadge Road in Ottawa Hills.
...
Wurzelbacher said he works under Al Newell’s license, but according to Ohio building regulations, he must maintain his own license to do plumbing work.
He is also not registered to operate as a plumber in Ohio, which means he’s not a plumber.
More on the business from Toledo's NBC affiliate, WNWO:
Wurzelbacher, 34, said he doesn't have a good plan put together on how he would buy Newell Plumbing and Heating.
He said the business consists of owner Al Newell and him. Wurzelbacher said he's worked there for six years and that the two have talked about his taking it over at some point.
"There's a lot I've got to learn," he said.
Wurzelbacher's 15 minutes of fame has caused some consternation among plumbers in Toledo, the Blade reports:
Wulzerbacher’s notoriety has raised the ire of Tom Joseph, business manager for Local 50 of the United Association of Plumbers, Steamfitters, and Service Mechanics, who claimed that Mr. Wulzerbacher didn’t undergo any apprenticeship training.
"When you have guys going out there with no training whatsoever, it’s a little disreputable to start with," Mr. Joseph said. "We’re the real Joe the Plumber."
Later in the article, the paper notes that the plumbers union has endorsed Obama.
More from the Blade:
Wurzelbacher said he is working on taking the Ohio plumbing contractors’ license test.
Some have speculated that Wurzelbacher might be a McCain supporter, but according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, he's a member of the Natural Law Party. Or maybe he's not even a voter. From the paper's "Openers" blog:
Public records databases examined by The Plain Dealer, including those for voter registration, indicate that Samuel Joseph Worzelbacher (note the "o" instead of the "u"), with the same street and age as the now famous Joe the Plumber, voted in 2002, 2005 and 2007. But he listed the Natural Law Party as his party.
Other records, however, show there is a Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher (with a "u") at that address. Based on people who appear to be his relatives, that is probably the correct spelling. Which raises the question: Is Joe the Plumber given a provisional ballot when he votes? Since there is a bit of confusion, obviously, would his registration be held out for scrutiny?
And on the issue of taxes, the main reason he was cited by McCain in the first place, Joe The Plumber isn't exactly an expert. From the Blade:
In December, 2007, the Ohio Department of Taxation placed a lien against him because $1,183 in personal property taxes had not been paid, but there has been no action in the case since it was filed.
Wurzelbacher said he objects to Mr. Obama’s plans to raise income taxes on incomes above $250,000. He said he makes no where near that much money but he would not say how much he makes or if he ever expects to make $250,000. Court records from a divorce show Mr. Wurzelbacher made $40,000 in 2006.
(EVAN McMORRIS-SANTORO)
Gee, another Republican scammer? Shock.
We are tired of being played.
We want real people in real positions of authority SOLVING OUR REAL PROBLEMS.
Does anyone else feel bad for Joe the Plumber? The guy went to a rally and asked a question - I doubt that he was prepared to have his name tossed around on national television and have his financial/personal records gone through with a fine tooth comb.
I think that Sen. McCain should be ashamed of himself. I also think that Joe has some work to do before he can call himself a plumber.
and you wonder why the press is held in such low regard.The man asked a question to Mr. Obama and because the press doesn't like the question they have decided to trash Joe.I guess your idea of free speech is only ask questions the press likes
and you wonder why the press is held in such low regard.The man asked a question to Mr. Obama and because the press doesn't like the question they have decided to trash Joe.I guess your idea of free speech is only ask questions the press likes
So the press found this out in 24 hours. Yet they have been unable to get to the bottom of Rezko/Obama land deal, the press have been unable to get tot he bottom of Obama/Ayers and Obama/Acorn. I see when its Palin or Joe the plumber the press does its job when its Obama or biden or Michelle they pass. Wake up america you are being had. The press is so in the tank for Obama. Welcome to the new brownshirts. I sure the charge of being a jew shut up a lot of people in Germany in the 1930's too.
I don't feel bad for him, NV, no.
Anyone who goes on national TV and says he's glad the troops are "fighting them over there" in Iraq, while refusing to pay his own share of their funding by neglecting to pay his taxes... That man deserves whatever he gets.
We have big problems. We need intelligent leadership. This is not about Joe. This is about electing Barack Obama as the next President of the USA so we can get our country back on top.
Obamas vultures are after Joe. Too bad they do not vet their own candidate as well. A license is not required for residential plumbing in some states. Only commercial requires a license.
Geez. How do the Republicans do it? The infiltrate O'Bama's campaign and get him to walk right down Joe the Ringer's block, just so he can ask his "are you going to redistribute my wealth" question and get O'Bama to say yes. Those Republicans are really shrewd operators. Although they haven't made any headway on the O'Bama-Acorn connection, or whatever happened to O'Bama's lost Columbia years. But they're trying.
Smells like Karl Rove to me!
Look out, Joe! You've dared to unmask the GreatBlackFraud, and you will be made to pay! The GBF does not take kindly to anyone who exposes his radical socialist plans for America .. and on his own National TV!! The nerve! He is pi-ed and you will be ripped to shreds for speaking up. If there's one thing BarackObama knows how to do it is to crush Free Speech! (ref: Missouri Goon Squads, StanleyKurtz WGN radio interview, DOJ letter to shut down TV stations that air negative BO ads, poor Jennifer Hughes who got a visit from the Secret Service because she told an ObamaThug who called her that she wouldn't vote for the creep.) All I can say, Joe, is that you'd better get your kneecaps insured!
ETHAN can't see point. JOE'S just a regular shlub who WANTS to get wealth. That's not a sin, and he has not misrepresented himself, you jerk.
His kneecaps better get insured since he doesnt pay his taxes. The IRS will mess him up. What a moron. He makes $40,000 a year. He cant afford to be a Republican. LMAO
Yes, actually, he HAS misrepresented himself. For one, he is clearly a Republican who is voting for McCain and always was, not some mystery "undecided". For another he has admitted that does NOT make $250k and in fact, he WOULD get a Tax Cut under Obama.
I could go on but it's pointless. It's all just a big distraction from the fact that Barack Obama destroyed John McCain for the 3rd time in 3 debates. On the issues and in a campaign, John McCain has been simply outclassed, out-maneuvered, and out-performed by Barack Obama and his entire campaign staff.
Oh, and Tim? Calling people names when you're losing is um, pretty lame.
Regular Joes pay their taxes. This guy is a cheater. McCain brought this guy up so he can thank his canidate for putting him under the microscope. John is looking out for the average Joe! I dont think so!
Obama is our next president. Deal with it! We had to deal with the worst president ever for 8 years and we are still dealing with his fiasco. Wake up people. 20 percent approval rating! Nice job W!
Joe you are a republican plant! I hear you are related to one of the Keating five, and MCCAIN is buddies with your family, is this true?
Truth: Joe said he was interested in buying the plumbing business, and would like to make $250K + with this company per year. His question was ABSOLUTELY VALID (lots of small biz owners are scared of this fraud!) and you ObamaBots who are trying to denigrate him for asking a perfectly legitimate and obvious question is outrageous! What are you so afraid of?? Why deploy the classic liberal Dem move of trying to distract from the answer by trashing the questioner? Wait, isn't there a race card to pull out here? Somewhere? Anywhere? Are you that threatened by the fact that an average Joe has figured out your conman and dared out his true plans? BarackObama is NOT GOING TO CUT ANYONE's TAXES!!! never has. never will. Read the WSJ, read Investor News; his plan has been picked apart by many people and there is no plan whatsoever to give anyone money - except those who refuse to work. This is called Socialism, and Joe was Dead On to call him out on it! How is it relevant that he is possibly leaning towards McCain --- half of the country is!! How is it relevant that he earned 40K in 2006? He's NOT getting a tax cut and for those of you buying that baloney, put down your dope! In the first place, we're ALL getting a tax hike across the board, when Pres Bush's tax cuts expire and this incompetent Democratic Congress which caused the crisis we are in today refuses to renew them. Then, Barry has a trillion new dollars he needs to get somewhere for all of his "programs" (none of which - btw - are for you unless you are a black, homeless, unemployed radical looking for a handout) Let's exercise a little Freedom of Speech - it's still legal until Nov 4th.
More evidence Joe is a fraud:
“All contractors are licensed, and he does not have a license, either as a contractor or a plumber,” the union official said, citing a search of government records. “I can’t find that he’s ever even applied for any kind of apprenticeship, and he has never belonged to local 189 in Columbus, which is what he claims on his Facebook page.”
According to public records, Mr. Wurzelbacher has been subject to two liens, each over $1,000, one of which — a personal tax lien — is still outstanding.
And his question to Mr. Obama about paying taxes? According to some tax analysts, if Mr. Wurzelbacher’s gross receipts from his business is $250,000 — and not his taxable income — then he would not have to pay higher taxes under Mr. Obama’s plan, and probably would be eligible for a tax cut.
Mr. Wurzelbacher is registered to vote in Lucas County under the name Samuel Joseph Worzelbacher.
“We have his named spelled W-O, instead of W-U,” Linda Howe, executive director of the Lucas County Board of Elections, said in a telephone interview. “Handwriting is sometimes hard to read. He has never corrected it in his registration card.”
The records, she said, showed he voted Republican in the March primary.
thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/16/joe-in-the-spotlight/
More evidence Joe is a fraud:
“All contractors are licensed, and he does not have a license, either as a contractor or a plumber,” the union official said, citing a search of government records. “I can’t find that he’s ever even applied for any kind of apprenticeship, and he has never belonged to local 189 in Columbus, which is what he claims on his Facebook page.”
According to public records, Mr. Wurzelbacher has been subject to two liens, each over $1,000, one of which — a personal tax lien — is still outstanding.
And his question to Mr. Obama about paying taxes? According to some tax analysts, if Mr. Wurzelbacher’s gross receipts from his business is $250,000 — and not his taxable income — then he would not have to pay higher taxes under Mr. Obama’s plan, and probably would be eligible for a tax cut.
Mr. Wurzelbacher is registered to vote in Lucas County under the name Samuel Joseph Worzelbacher.
“We have his named spelled W-O, instead of W-U,” Linda Howe, executive director of the Lucas County Board of Elections, said in a telephone interview. “Handwriting is sometimes hard to read. He has never corrected it in his registration card.”
The records, she said, showed he voted Republican in the March primary.
thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/16/joe-in-the-spotlight/
Geez, guess Grant Wood would be turning in his grave. Seems that picture of the common man speaking in Wood's famous "Freedom of Speech" picture, doesn't apply to Republicans...Doesn't matter where Joe is from, or if he owes taxes--he asked a legit question of "THE ONE"--THAT'S the problem. For once "THE ONE" answered truthfully--opps! IS THIS AN EXAMPLE OF OUR GOVERNMENT UNDER "THE ONE"? Will he go after us if we speak aginst him????
Geez, guess Grant Wood would be turning in his grave. Seems that picture of the common man speaking in Wood's famous "Freedom of Speech" picture, doesn't apply to Republicans...Doesn't matter where Joe is from, or if he owes taxes--he asked a legit question of "THE ONE"--THAT'S the problem. For once "THE ONE" answered truthfully--opps! IS THIS AN EXAMPLE OF OUR GOVERNMENT UNDER "THE ONE"? Will he go after us if we speak aginst him????
@Suze
I lived in a socialist country for 14 years, and let me tell you something from first hand experience:
You have no clue what you're talking about, none.
So deal with that fact, that is if you can.
Ohh and btw ... socialism and communism are NOT the SAME.
Instead of spewing lies/misinformation/fear, you ought to go and learn a bit more about things you obviously know nothing about.
Every system needs balance in the framework of it's design, and this system (our US system) has been seriously out of balance for the last 8 years. And adding a little social morality and dignity into it will only help this country, not the opposite which is what you're preaching.
Actually, I would love to McCain/Palin to win ... because after their 4 years, Obama would automatically get the next 8 with 65/35 split.
Oh, so GB THIS is what you call a little social morality and dignity!!??!! Silencing a civilian's question? Trashing him personally, destroying his privacy, Because He Asked A Question?! You're joking! I never mentioned communism - a little touchy on that, non? I know a lot about socialism myself and it Very Much Involves Taking from The Earners and Giving to The Slackers!!!! Right, you say, all in the name of "dignity" (for whom? you ask. Why, for the deciders of Who Must Give Up and Who Receives! ie. BigGovernment. OHHHH) So, wherever you experienced this socialism personally, how's that working? So well you left, hey? Well, I think you should go back, and tae the GreatBlackFraud with you.
It's amazing what motivated journalists can accomplish. Now, if they can only answer the Ayers question for us. When did Obama meet Ayers? If it is as Obama says, why did Ayers appoint a such young person (whom he had never really met) as chairmen of a multi-million dollar project?
@Suze
You're like a barking dog, not someone who is trying to have constructive dialog or as you put it "Silencing a civilian's question?". You're not interested in asking questions, you're interested in telling everyone what you belive to be true, and what's sad about that is the fact you resort to spreding lies and fear on top of racist remarks, such as "GreatBlackFraud".
So all things being equal, I could call McCain a "OldWhiteSenile", but since I have some respect for the man and joking aside, I would never use such epitets nor do I.
Lastly, socialism/communism experience I mentioned is not a sore subject for me at all.
I was mearly trying to point out that for someone who knows nothing of how those systems actually work, you talk a lot. AND, this country would never be in the same galaxy like the known socialist/communist regimes of the last 30-40 years, and that's because entrepreneurship and liberty have been nurtured here for 230+ years.
But, change is needed and change will happen.
Lastly, I work very very hard and I am an earner and not a slacker, and I for one would be glad to make 250k+ per year and pay that 1 or 3 or 5 grand more in tax per year for the country that has given me the opportunity to create something and for a life where my children can have better chances of getting quality college education without having a morgage when they graduate or the fact that I will be able to afford medical insurance and then take the rest of the money I don't spend on medical insurance and buy a tv or car, etc. which injects the money back into the economy.
@Suze
You're like a barking dog, not someone who is trying to have constructive dialog or as you put it "Silencing a civilian's question?". You're not interested in asking questions, you're interested in telling everyone what you belive to be true, and what's sad about that is the fact you resort to spreding lies and fear on top of racist remarks, such as "GreatBlackFraud".
So all things being equal, I could call McCain a "OldWhiteSenile", but since I have some respect for the man and joking aside, I would never use such epitets nor do I.
Lastly, socialism/communism experience I mentioned is not a sore subject for me at all.
I was mearly trying to point out that for someone who knows nothing of how those systems actually work, you talk a lot. AND, this country would never be in the same galaxy like the known socialist/communist regimes of the last 30-40 years, and that's because entrepreneurship and liberty have been nurtured here for 230+ years.
But, change is needed and change will happen.
Lastly, I work very very hard and I am an earner and not a slacker, and I for one would be glad to make 250k+ per year and pay that 1 or 3 or 5 grand more in tax per year for the country that has given me the opportunity to create something and for a life where my children can have better chances of getting quality college education without having a morgage when they graduate or the fact that I will be able to afford medical insurance and then take the rest of the money I don't spend on medical insurance and buy a tv or car, etc. which injects the money back into the economy.
GB If you're looking for dialog, you probably shouldn't start your message wth an attack and accusation that your target knows nothing...not really productive. Also, the name calling is a sign that you have actually nothing of substance to say (for ad hominem attacks in debate, you're going to get docked points). So, is your point that BO is not a socialist? I can quickly provide evidence (actual party membership) and point you to his education efforts, as well as his speeches prior to this campaign that will nail that down. To your fantasy that the US is not headed that way, I would direct you to readings re: Strategies to Subvert Democracy. There are 4 Phases and I would argue that we are in the 2nd/3rd stage. 1st: Demoralization (ie tear down the norms for good of the existing society. Start making people think that what they hold dear (life, liberty, freedom, faith, family values, marriage, capitalism, etc) is now NOT GOOD and start supplanting with alternative views (infanticide, redistribution of wealth, gay marriage, hate-whitey, etc). Useful Idiots in this phase include Hollywood, Big Media, and yup the Education Establishment (bill Ayers ring a bell) to help indoctrinate the children. This phase takes 30 - 50 yrs becsuse it takes several generations to warp the mind. The 2nd Phase is Destabilization. The economy is the most logical force to attack in a capitlaist society, for obvious reasons. The ACORN activity, FM/FM abuse, socialized housing regulation etc worked beautifully, don't you think? Phase 3 is Crisis and I'd venture to say we have one on our hands, now. Phase 4 is Normalizaton and that's when the Socialists will "solve the crisis" by implementing their norms, and then spreading/defending the new norms as the new GOOD. SImple right? So, a Socialist politician, with extensive ties to those of terrorist leanings, who now are deeply imbedded in education efforts here makes a fantastic candidate for President. And, if you think Ayers has not had any effect on BO's policy, Read his bill S.2111 from 2007 and get a load of what BO really wants to do. While you're at it, check out some of his other friends: Khalid al mansour, Rashid Khalidi, and Raila Odinga - just to name a few. Also, look at the Black Liberation theology of Revs J Wright, meeks, and farrakhan, Frank Marshall Davis and then look - very carefully at Michelle Obama's theology (hate whitey) and how that informs their version of "progressive education" There are many many examples of this man's anti-American speech, behavior and choices.
As to your offense at his title: he is running solely on his "blackness" He has absolutely no qualifications to be a President. He is, after all Black. He is also, the greatest fraud ever to present himself for this job. Therefore, I beleive it is an accurate tag.
I had a guy over today to look at my roof. He asked if I remember the crew from his company that had done the work. I told him I didn't know because I didn't speak Spanish. He said he used to be a roofing contractor, but couldn't compete with the ililegals so he went to work for the contractor who hired them. I'll bet none of them have a license.
Attacking anyone who disagrees is the strategy of secular progressives. Tear down anyone who gets in the way. You should all be ashamed of yourselves. I understand some of you are being paid to disrupt the flow, but you should be ashamed. Its harder to get a good plumber than a good President.
Ethan should serve as a perfect representation of an Obama supporter. Dumb as a rock and proud of it and lacking in the ability to comprehend even basic reality.
Obama goes walking down a street on a photo op, comes across a man playing football with his child and goes over to the guy and gets a simple question which you would think one of the high salaried "journalist" might have asked sometime in the last year. That is, if they weren't busy soiling themselves over this douchebag, Obama.
OBAMA MADE A FOOL OF HIMSELF WITH THE ANSWER ON NATIONAL TV and his supporters go berserk because he was asked a question which he couldn't answer? That is bad enough but today, Obama like a adolescent schoolgirl lashed out at the questioner by mocking his work and hope of owning the business? Lying in the process?
You really going to embarrass yourself and your family by voting for this imbecile? Don't you have any self-respect?
Hey, Suze and Logical US! Let's see some more from you. I need another good laugh.
I believe Joe asked a really good ?,and of course got a Hussein answer. However I fully agree with Joe, why should anyone be punished for working hard and making good money.And even worse,would be to know that your money would go to support people to lazy to make their own,and people who are here illegally. I make nowhere near that amount ,however Hussein Obama will tax me in a lot of other ways. I pray that he will be exposed before he is elected.
Ohh and btw ... socialism and communism are NOT the SAME.
Instead of spewing lies/misinformation/fear, you ought to go and learn a bit more about things you obviously know nothing about.
GB | 10.16.08 06:17 PM
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Odd my friends in Russia say things like "When we lived under Socialism" and come to think of it the name of the FSU
Союз советские Социалистические Республики
translates in to English as
Union of Soviet SOCIALIST Republics
When were you last in the Former Soviet Union or some other former Communist Nation??
You seem to know more about the subject than they do,
You should go there and educate them
Ohh and btw ... socialism and communism are NOT the SAME.
Instead of spewing lies/misinformation/fear, you ought to go and learn a bit more about things you obviously know nothing about.
GB | 10.16.08 06:17 PM
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Odd my friends in Russia say things like "When we lived under Socialism" and come to think of it the name of the FSU
Союз советские Социалистические Республики
translates in to English as
Union of Soviet SOCIALIST Republics
When were you last in the Former Soviet Union or some other former Communist Nation??
You seem to know more about the subject than they do,
You should go there and educate them