Joe the Congressman?

Chooses small publisher, says he's "spreading the wealth"

(NEWSER) - Before the 2008 election is a month old, Joe the Plumber plans to have a book on the shelves, the New York Times reports. Samuel J. Wurzelbacher has signed a deal with PearlGate Publishing to write “Joe the Plumber: Fighting for the American Dream,” due in bookstores Dec. 1, with an assist from novelist Thomas Tabback. Of his decision not to go with a larger publishing house, Wurzelbacher says, “They are already rich. So that’s spreading the wealth to me.” More»

Toledo police worried about 'negative repercussions'

(NEWSER) - It seems Samuel J. Wurzelbacher, or as John McCain dubbed him, “Joe the Plumber,” lives a charmed life. Wurzelbacher was caught going 50mph in a 35mph zone in Toledo last week, but America’s favorite toilet doctor got off with just a warning. The officer decided a ticket would have “negative repercussions to the department and city as a whole,” according to the official report. More»

McCain's guest nowhere to be found during first Ohio rally

(NEWSER) - The image of John McCain looking for a nowhere-to-be-found Joe the Plumber has surfaced on YouTube and is being forwarded by gleeful Democrats, notes MSNBC's First Read blog. “Joe’s with us here," McCain said at an Ohio rally yesterday. "Joe, where are you?," he asked, looking around. "Where is Joe? Joe, I thought you were here today." More»

(NEWSER) - We already knew he could fix a toilet and stir up a presidential race. Now, Joe the Plumber may be dazzling us with a country album on Inauguration Day, Politico reports. It seems the artist formally known as Joe Wurzelbacher has teamed up with a Nashville PR firm and is being pursued by a major label. More»

Democrat's tax plans amount to 'welfare,' Republican charges

(NEWSER) - John McCain criticized Barack Obama’s economic plans yesterday as the Republican focuses on portraying his opponent as a tax-and-spend liberal with a socialist vision for America, the Los Angeles Times reports. McCain had hoped to iconic plumber Joe on his tour of central Florida, but Joe Wurzelbacher refused. Instead, McCain appeared with several small-business types, including a florist and sports-bar owner. More»