CNN

TOLEDO, Ohio (CNN)– The Ohio native that Senator John McCain made a star this week did not attend either of McCain's Ohio rallies on Sunday.

CNN’s Dana Bash talked to Joe 'the plumber' Wurzelbacher’s brother, Robert, who said that McCain did invite his sibling to the Toledo rally but Joe was already committed to going to New York to be on former presidential candidate and now FOX News host Mike Huckabee’s show.

Robert Wurzelbacher did say it is possible that his brother may end up with McCain on the stump some time soon. McCain is scheduled be in Ohio again on Wednesday.

At the afternoon rally, the Arizona Senator did give a nod to Joe’s hometown heritage.

“I thought I did pretty well but let's have some straight talk: the real winner this week was one of Toledo’s own: Joe 'the Plumber,'” said McCain. “You know the reason why Joe won, is because he's the only person to get a real answer out of Senator Obama about his plans for our country. Congratulations to Joe.”

At both events Sunday, the Arizona Senator acknowledged small business owners on the stump and ask them to raise their hands to be appreciated by the crowd. Previously this is something he had only done with military veterans.

“And now I would like to ask one other thing that I have not before. On behalf of Joe the plumber and Rose the teacher and Phil the bricklayer and Wendy the waitress and all small business people around America. Will small business people please raise their hands so we can thank you for what you do for America,” said McCain to cheers from the crowd.

The Republican presidential candidate also sought to expand on his opponent’s “spread the wealth around” comments: "Senator Obama is more interested in who will get your piece of the pie than growing the pie," he said.

On FOX News Sunday, McCain was asked about whether he thought Obama’s economic plans were socialist.

“I think his plans are redistribution of wealth,” he said. “That’s one of the tenets of socialism. But it’s more the liberal left, which he’s always been on. He’s always been in the left lane of American politics.”