CNN Political Ticker
171 days ago

Joe the Plumber open to 2010 run

mug.mooney
Joe Wurzelbacher said he may run for Congress in 2010.
Joe Wurzelbacher said he may run for Congress in 2010.

(CNN) – Could Joe the Plumber become Joe the congressman?

Joe Wurzelbacher, the most famous plumber in America thanks to John McCain and Sarah Palin, told conservative talk radio host Laura Ingraham Friday he's considering a run for Congress in 2010.

That would pit Wurzelbacher against longtime Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur for Ohio's 9th district on the state’s northern border, which includes Toledo and Sandusky. "I'll tell you what, we'd definitely be in one heck of a fight, Marcy Kaptur definitely has a following in this area," he said of the possibility. "But, you know, I'd be up for it."

Wurzelbacher's chances would likely be slim. Kaptur has served in the district for 25 years, and remains a popular figure there. She won reelection in 2006 with nearly 75 percent of the vote and is expected to easily sail through another reelection this year.

But Wurzelbacher, who gained fame after he challenged Barack Obama on his tax plan earlier this month, has attained a certain rock-star status in the Republican Party and his entrance into the race would likely be greeted with instant excitement and media coverage.

Ingraham herself said she would immediately volunteer for his campaign and help him with campaign advertising and PR. Meanwhile, the National Republican Congressional Committee said they would welcome Wurzelbacher's candidacy with "open arms.”

"We support Joe the Plumber and people like him everyday with our support for lower taxes and energy independence," NRCC spokesman Ken Spain said.

But a spokesman for Kaptur told CNN Wurzelbacher is already off on the wrong foot.

"We just had another big layoff at the jeep plant, another 800 workers," Kaptur spokesman Steve Fought said. "So embracing Bush-McCain economics is kind of a strange way to launch your campaign. I'd have to question that strategy"

Wurzelbacher's comments come a week after a group of college Republicans launched a Web site with the hope of drafting him for a congressional run.

“Washington, DC is broken and it needs to be fixed. Joe Wurzelbacher has a real-world perspective and the right attitude to clean up the mess on Capitol Hill,” says the group’s Web site, which carries the slogan, “Plunge the crap out of Washington.”


Filed under: Joe the plumber • John McCain
soundoff (200 Responses)
  1. PDXGal

    Great, yet another big fake in the GOP.

    October 24, 2008 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  2. Marie

    His name is not Joe isn't it Samuel and he is not a plumber more like

    SAMUEL THE LIAR

    October 24, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  3. RIF

    Well, he's got the right resume to run in the GOP party. Lying, low-life, scumbag.

    October 24, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  4. Independent Voter

    are you for real? here we go...dumb, dumber, dumbest moves ever by the republican party!!

    Voted for OBAMA early in Florida!!

    October 24, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  5. Dennis

    Interesting, Senator Obama was attacked over his experience, and Joe has less than him.

    October 24, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  6. Alex

    Dear Joe,

    Get out.

    Love

    America

    October 24, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  7. Maureen

    This guy is clearly delusional. Wow, the Republican Party is desperate.

    October 24, 2008 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  8. Neecy

    Why is he still even in the news...he's not even a PLUMBER!!!!

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  9. scared citizen

    is this a joke???

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  10. Well..

    You....have....got....to...be....kidding...me....

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  11. RIF

    Try actually getting a plumber's liscence and paying your taxes first.

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  12. OhioGuy

    Give me a break.

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  13. Greg in Mpls

    Please no. Just fade away into election history if you want to do any good for people!

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  14. Mike G - Toronto, ON, CA

    Why not run as a Republican, he lies and misleads people.......He'll fit right in.

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  15. Vince

    Congress is certainly a better fit in government for an "Average" Joe.
    Then in 2012 the GOP can have a Palin/Plumber ticket!

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  16. Charlie Bradley

    Thank GOD I don't live in OH...and if I did, I would write in Thomas Crapper instead of voting for this tax evader

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  17. Liberated!

    Of course he can.....any idiot can run for positions in the Republican party.....you don't need a brain or even any policy.....look at their master and commander the President.....look at their candidate for President, look at their air head VP....look at all their representatives...all dodo heads. Even the Crazy McCain rally lady who said Obama was Arab can run!! Country first right.....how about intelligence and knowledge first! They should have used that $150K they spent Palin's clothes to buy her a brain!

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  18. Lola

    CNN why must you continue to toture your readers with this joe the plumber crap! ENOUGH!!!

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  19. freshdem15

    Joe The Plumber is a fraud, they even said he was on some conservative radio show before he confronted Obama on the street in his town!!!!

    Totally fake

    sooooo sick of Joe the Plumber !!!!!!

    dropping my ballott off today to my County elections office, not taking any chances here in Oregon......

    Voted for Obama/Biden

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  20. Well...

    After his unpaid taxes issue, unlawful plumbing work, and lies about buying a business should be a far cry to NOT prolong his 15 minutes of fame.

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  21. H. Charles

    Why is the media entertaining this?

    October 24, 2008 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  22. Not sleeping at the switch

    It took me ten FULL Minutes to finishing laughing and half choking to death after reading this.

    Has the Gop dug completely THROUGH the bottom of the Barrel and into the dirt now.

    If I were a Hard working HONEST member of the GOP I would be completely insulted at how they keep bringing in these amatures who are also FAKES to jump over all of the hard work ,training and education I had worked so hard to accumulate to see THEM put up for office over me.

    GOP is looking more and more like a joke everyday.

    October 24, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  23. Louis in Los Angeles

    Just what the Repugnant Party needs, another angry, underqualified phony!

    October 24, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  24. BM

    Another Keating?This is a man who has broken the law already by working without a license and now he is popular? Now I know that McCain has really lost his bearings~

    October 24, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  25. globalgroove

    You have got to be kidding me!!!! This guy is so full of himself...But I guess if the bugman DeLay could do it so could the plumber...LOL

    October 24, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  26. Proud to be American

    The fake plumber is going to run in 2010 .... only in America. I suppose the folks that voted for Bush twice will vote for him. Give me break! back to seriousness.... folks remember to vote on the 4th the Rethugs will do anything to win and cheating is in their scope.... take a friend, neighbor come all ... no matter how long the lines or the people trying to turn you away just VOTE ....... Vote as if your life depend on it...... vote for:

    ********************Obama and Biden 2008!*********************************

    Thank you!

    October 24, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  27. Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC

    OMG – more crazies in our politics. Does he know what the job entails.

    Thanks but no thanks.

    October 24, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  28. Paul

    Let's see... doing plumbing work without a license, not paying taxes...

    Yep, he's ready for the Republican party alright.

    Glad to see they're not taking current events as a sign to move in a new direction or anything. Shine on, you crazy diamonds.

    October 24, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  29. Bruce

    come on this guy is a joke....you had your 10 minutes of fame...let it go.

    October 24, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  30. Independent for Obama

    Is this for real? I guess I'll run too. Why not.

    Enough with Joe the plumber. This isn't news. BORING!!!! I thought he wanted privacy. You can't tell by all the interviews he is doing. Can someone tell him to pay his back taxes before he runs.

    October 24, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  31. Kelby from Houston, TX

    WoW. This guy had 5 minutes with Obama and now he is freakin famous.
    WHISKEY
    TANGO
    FOXTROT!
    So it doesn't matter that his first name ain't Joe, He doesn't pay his taxes, he lied (he is a rethuglican that was trying to get Obama to say "I'll raise your taxes" and he knew exactly which circumstances in which Obama would raise his taxes and that's what he gave him.
    That's okay, if he runs on the rethuglican ticket against a dem in the near and distant future, he is sure to lose!

    October 24, 2008 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  32. J

    What a joke this guy is. But hey, if he wants to run more power to him.

    October 24, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  33. Angel, Atlanta, GA

    Before he can run for anything he would have to pay his tax bill to the state of Ohio. Why is this man in the media? He isn't a tax paying citizen. He isn't trying to buy his own company. He isn't even a licensed plumber. He is really just playing "handy man" and collecting a pay check for it. Joe the Plumber's picture should be posted in the Post Office for not paying his taxes.

    October 24, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  34. sacto joe

    The perversity of politics. Here's a guy who flat LIED about his prospects for buying his business and what it might earn.

    A know-nothing who shot his mouth off gets rewarded.

    Meanwhile, the rest of us REAL Joe's get shafted by the Republicans and their buddies the wealthy....

    October 24, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  35. Jon

    How about those tax returns

    October 24, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  36. Sidney Crosby

    Wow really??? He will be the male version of Sarah Palin.

    October 24, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  37. HUFFINGTON POST

    SO A MCCAIN CAMPAIGN ADVISOR HAS ENDORSED SENATOR OBAMA AND THIS IS THE NEWS STORY??? CNN IS THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER OF NEWS MEDIA. FOX NEWS IS THE REPUBLICAN'S & THE BUSH ADMINISTRATIONS PROPEGANDA CHANNEL.

    October 24, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  38. Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC

    I guess when the republicans paid his back taxes, he decided he would run and lie some more and become wealthy. ha ha ha ha ha

    October 24, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  39. NavyMom

    He's off to a good start – lying in front of the media and not paying his taxes. Clean up the mess in Washington? He needs to clean up his own act first! I felt sorry for the guy until I looked at that video again – if he was not a McCain campaign plant, then there are no buckeyes in Ohio.

    October 24, 2008 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  40. Bubba

    Please let him run – that would be sweet! He'd be dogfood in a week if he seriously made himself GOP fair game. Republican party: no training or skills needed.

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  41. 50 states: BLUE: 08

    Is this a joke...dear god.

    The level of intelligent brain cells keep dwindling down...

    Who in their right mind would have this kind of crap around...

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  42. ConsiderThis, FL

    A Palin clone.

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  43. Thomas

    "We just had another big layoff at the jeep plant, another 800 workers," – "Kaptur has served in the district for 25 years" so hes getting off on the wrong foot when the jeep plant is laying of workers and Kaptur in the one in power when that happened... Seems to me like Kaptur should lose her seat for doing nothing for her area...

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  44. er74

    OH MY GOD!

    Like Fey in SNL. This just proof that anyone.. and I mean it from the bottom of my heart. ANYONE even the most unqualified clown in this country can consider being a politician.

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  45. Billy

    Joe, can you go to Alaska with Palin after this election is over? (and don't come back)

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  46. Sarah.....and my last name isn't Palin!

    His 15minutes are so over! Wishful thinking.

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  47. BOOTSTOMPER

    Perfect, one more highly educated republican who doesn't pay taxes.

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  48. witch

    That is just plain stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  49. Georgia Gal

    Oh my heavens, you are friggin kidding me?!!

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  50. rhoward

    He's a legend in his own mind.

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  51. Iona

    Dear God No!!!

    Next thing you know, Gayle Quinnell (aka crazy "Read Obama's an Arab" McCain rally lady) will be running for Governor of Minnesota.

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  52. Obama is for UNITING of the PEOPLE

    Again this Joe the FAKE was sent in to HELP McCain, but it turns OUT he is just LIKE Palin, ALL FOR SELF AGENDA IN 2010 & 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    GO JOE.................

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  53. jm for sc

    This beats all.

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  54. paul (reformed republican)

    Hmmm. I'd actually have to say it would be a good thing to have Joe the Plumber run for public office. Maybe we need an entire nation of Joe the Plumbers to enter the political fray.

    Just one gentle reminder Joe: a Main Street, $40k/yr guy isn't going to fit in very well on a Republican ticket.

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  55. Shirley-Ohio

    Let Joe the Plumber get a life first, before considering a run for office.

    October 24, 2008 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  56. Joe the Boxer

    We'd be happy to see this novelty of a "gimmick'" lose an election. Just make sure he's paid off the IRS with his back taxes before he runs.........

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  57. RD

    he will have to pay his back taxes first

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  58. Anonymous

    Is this some kind of a joke?

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  59. Dave

    I can't believe these media stories. A plumper comes out of nowhere, asks Obama a question, then you just keep talkin and talkin about him. making such a big deal out of him. now you wanna sent him to the congress? what the hell?!

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  60. SteveAtlanta

    Can we stop talking about this guy? NO ONE CARES!

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  61. Danielle

    ROTFLMAO ~ first he needs to pay his taxes and go back to school. He's a joke, along with John and Sarah.

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  62. A Real Feminist

    Lord help us all, each and every one if this guys fifteen minutes land him on Capitol Hill.

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  63. Dawn

    Look what you have done McCain... Goddess forbid...

    Go Obama/Biden08/12

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  64. No McCain

    Sure Joe Plumer you can run for the Senate...but probably McCain will be the only one voting for you....so dont think that just one lucky question gets you in congress....

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  65. Paul, FL-TLH

    Well, he's a good liar. So I'm sure he'll do fine :P

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  66. BatCat05

    Enough of McCain, Palin and "Joe" the Fake Plumber, they all need to plunge the crap out of the B.S. they've been selling the media!

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  67. gObama!

    He might want to start paying his taxes before considering a run for public office. What a joke.

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  68. chuck

    Can I throw up now?

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  69. ChristineM

    quote:
    Ingraham herself said she would immediately volunteer for his campaign and help him with campaign advertising and PR. Meanwhile, the National Republican Congressional Committee said they would welcome Wurzelbacher's candidacy with "open arms.”

    How stupid can you get?

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  70. Manny

    Say it isn't so Joe! What platform will he be running under?

    October 24, 2008 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  71. witch

    To nightingale His name is Obama , Why do you hate him so much?

    October 24, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  72. HUFFINGTON POST

    Well Joe is already a liar when he claimed he was buying his business so he would fit right in with the GOP. Joe isn't even a licensed plumber. He is perfect for the republican congress, he has no qualifications and he lies all the time.

    October 24, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  73. joe the plumber

    There goes CNN again, going after Joe the Plumber for asking the tough the questions. If the media had been asking Obama the tough question, joe the plumber would never have happened.

    "But Wurzelbacher, who gained fame after he challenged Barack Obama on his tax plan earlier this month, has attained a certain rock-star status in the Republican Party"

    Let me correct you on this, Joe the Plumber has become the symbol of Small Businesses in America who are going to be hurt due to Obama "Spread the Wealth" approach to fixing the economy

    October 24, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  74. For Obama

    Hell, if Palin can run for VP, joe the plumber, mickey mouse and Elvis and all be politicians.

    October 24, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  75. Erik

    Joe the Plumbing Company Employee is a tax evader and a shill for the McCain campaign. The Democrat incumbent in his district would LOVE to see him get the Republican nomination.

    October 24, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  76. Shay

    People in Ohio. Scrub adub you are in for a real surprise. Joe the Plumber. I am glad I don't like in Ohio where that whacko lives and people please don't even let him on the ballot.

    October 24, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  77. Tolu

    I guess Palin has proved that ANYONE can be taken seriously by the RNC...actually maybe Bush did that back in '00...

    Eitherway, this is getting really annoying. Samuel the not-in-the-relevant-tax-bracket-to-begin-with-non-plumber, go away!

    October 24, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  78. brad

    I will be sending money to Kaptur. this guy is a joke.

    October 24, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  79. Palin3009

    suddenly I feel like I am in Phillipines OR Burma OR one of the Asian countries....

    I heard folks over there are full of such election gimmicks and guess what, such characters win public office too there!!!

    So we indeed ARE IN A RECESSION ( a recession in intellectual property) and that means we are ready for an acquisition (by you know who)!!!

    October 24, 2008 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  80. Concerned INDEPENDENT CT voter

    nobody likes a LIAR....

    What's wrong with the people who like this guy?

    answer: they are delusional...

    -V

    October 24, 2008 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  81. valerie

    I THINK PEOPLE HAVE NO RESPECT FOR THIS COUNTY. THEY HAVE LOST THEIR MARBLES!!!!!!. THIS IS NOT A GAME. THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAVE SHOWN AMERICA THAT THEY DO NOT CARE. THEY HAVE ALWAYS PLAYED WITH PEOPLES LIVES. I HOPE THE DEMOCRATS WIN THIS ELECTION. HOPEFULLY, THE COUNTY WILL GET BACK IN ORDER. MC CAIN & PALIN ARE SUCH A DISGRACE TO THIS COUNTY. ESPECIALLY MC CAIN AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.

    October 24, 2008 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  82. Obama/ Biden

    Is this some kind of a joke?
    God save us !!

    October 24, 2008 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  83. Kerri

    Uh, right. Asking a question of a presidential candidate sure does sound like good experience to be a congressperson... And so does not paying your taxes and misrepresenting yourself. He'd be a fabulous addition to the GOP.

    October 24, 2008 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  84. sandee in Portland

    OMG, another illiterate person going to run for office. What is our country coming to? I am still a registered republican but have voted democratic this year. All this article does is make me consider changing my registration to democrat or at least independent. I am very ashamed at what the republican party has come to (the more the merrier, the dumb the dumber).

    October 24, 2008 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  85. Tracy McKeon

    Oh, that'd be great. Joe and Sarah have made a mockery of our political system (okay, okay, it was already a joke). In order to contribute to the growth of our nation, it really helps to have a functioning brain. Joe seems like a nice enough guy - heck, I know a thousand guys just like him. And that would be my point.

    October 24, 2008 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  86. jp

    Joe you can't run for office. If you win you won't get that tax break that Obama's about to give you...

    I hope he does run. Good to see this is the best the repubs can bring to the table.

    October 24, 2008 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  87. bern

    This dude is only slightly brighter than Palin. Why are most rethugs kind of stupid?

    October 24, 2008 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  88. Rick

    I may travel to Ohio to vote for him since the democrats seem to think that it's ok to do that.

    October 24, 2008 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  89. Daniel in NY

    He's probably as good as the next one. Maybe better since he would be unseating a Dem.

    October 24, 2008 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  90. Jack

    what a jack, this guy is not real.

    October 24, 2008 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  91. Boomer

    I think he would be a good representative.......on the MOON! Or some place further away. If the GOP is going to embrace this kind of nonsense, they will be marginalized.

    October 24, 2008 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |
  92. Carl Winslow

    I amazed that the media is still allowing this guy to have TV time when his whole relevance is based on lies.

    October 24, 2008 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |
  93. WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW

    HEY OBAMA FANS,

    GET READY FOR A DEPRESSION AND THE END OF THE WORLD.

    THANKS TO YOUR MESSIAH.

    October 24, 2008 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |
  94. Missouri

    Lying idiotsshould be prevented from voting and running for election.

    We shouldn't elect our government like American Idol.

    October 24, 2008 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |
  95. nick

    god....make this nonsense stop

    October 24, 2008 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |
  96. Shari, NY

    Soon Joe will be contacted by publishing companies and TV talk show hosts. He will make so much money that he will be in a high tax bracket. Oh, oh!

    October 24, 2008 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |
  97. B-REAL

    I guess good ole "Joe", has seen the silver lining... I wonder if he will be done with his book by then. I guess you can't blame the guy for cashing in, but can be serious.

    Maybe McCain can pay off his back taxes and give him one of his homes. I really don't think being a plumber that lied about his intentions and status his a good prerequisite for being elected.

    Haven't the republicans suffered enough, I would recommend they not try and redefine the party around "Joe".

    October 24, 2008 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |
  98. Crazy!!

    That is just grand.... We need a bubble head who steals from his government and lies to run for an official office.
    But on the other hand we can sell almost anything to stupid americans, who claim to have masters in education. The news media should stop giving Palin and Joe the plumber a free ride. Boycott all media who do so, show the smart people rule.

    October 24, 2008 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |
  99. adam, Colorado

    Sweet. Who needs experience or education anymore?? This guy isn't a even a real plumber. He has no license. And he would probably be better under Obama's tax plan anyways. Anyone seen the movie Idiocracy?

    October 24, 2008 04:53 pm at 4:53 pm |
  100. Dj

    Joe is smart... He is basically saying to himself... "I'm up for it, especially if i can get that 150,000 clothing allowance that my GOP peeps provide. Heck, I can lose and win at the same time."

    October 24, 2008 04:53 pm at 4:53 pm |
  101. Ken

    That's nice.

    If he does, then Obama's tax plan will really be helpful to him, as he will be making under $250,000 per year...

    October 24, 2008 04:53 pm at 4:53 pm |
  102. Shaka

    This loser does not even have the proper credentials to fix my toilet, and you imbeciles want to elect him to congress????

    I thought after Bush 8 years of Bush folks would know better than to elect a person that they would have a beer with.
    Pathetic!!!

    October 24, 2008 04:53 pm at 4:53 pm |
  103. Kelly

    American Idol, do you realized what you have started? I admire Mr. Wurzelbacker's ambition and desire to run for congress but you have to at least know what you're doing to have a legitimate chance.

    October 24, 2008 04:53 pm at 4:53 pm |
  104. mike

    Can this idiot just go away.His not even a quilified plumber I'm sick and tired of listening about this liar.pay your back taxes and then you can think about running for office.

    Obama/ Biden 2008

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  105. Eagle

    He will be unpopular after Nov.4, goodluck in 2010

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  106. Ron

    Republicans have short memories. They forget that he lied and misrepresented himself. He is not who he said he was. In Republican circles he is eligible for the Medal of Honor.

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  107. brian

    He could be mayor of Wasilla!

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  108. Arthur James

    YES! WE NEED MORE "REAL PEOPLE" LIKE SARAH PALIN IN OFFICE AND IN WASHINGTON, LIKE OUR FOREFATHERS ORIGINALLY INTENDED, NOT "CAREER POLITICIANS," WHO WITH RARE EXCEPTION END UP AS DIRTY AS A CLOGGED TOILET!

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  109. Phil the Engineer (a new demographic)

    Well, he has made a good start in politics. He has already started lying.

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  110. Matt

    Uh, Joe, you're a very temporary fad. Your fifteen minutes of fame are going to be up on November 5.

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  111. wakeupamerica

    Let your gal pal Palin put you on her administrative team when she returns as Governor of Alaska. The lies and deceit will fit right in with the way she runs her state.

    Obama/Biden '08

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  112. Jamie

    Hey, why not have Joe the Liar run on the GOP ticket? He'll fit right in with the rest of them.

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  113. Chris

    YOU HAVE GOT TO BE ABSOLUTELY 100% COMPLETELY TOTALLY FREAKING KIDDING ME!!! (Yes, meant to shout).

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  114. S-------n for Congress

    That's it, I'm running too...
    I'm S--n E--–z and I approve this message

    Did I win any votes yet?????

    Obama/Biden
    YEAH

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  115. Pat - Overland Park, KS

    Joe the Plumber is Joe the Plant is Joe the Fake.

    He is not even licensed and he has a lein on his taxes.

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  116. Jeff In Ohio

    Yes, run Joe. Tax cheats and liars always get a fair shake at the polls.

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  117. Eight Is Truly Enough

    Not Sleeping At The Swtich thank you! I couldn't agree with you more. And the Obama supporters are the original Kool-Aid drinkers huh? Bawhahahaha. I think "Joe" needs to call up Ashley Todd and take their show on the road since McCain is now on the Joe The Plumber tour and he's all for anything reeking of being morally bankrupt. LOL

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  118. Steve in Las Vegas,NV

    Is this for real? An unlicensed "plumber" for congress? I guess that if you don't pay your taxes, get a license, get your name all over the place, you are qualified? Just like a Republican...What a surprise!
    Vote DEM!!! Remember Nixon's plumbers???

    October 24, 2008 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  119. GET REAL.

    What does this teach our kids... "Well, if I default on my taxes and act like someone I'm not while a TV camera's in range, maybe I'll be the President someday!!! Woo hoo!!!"

    October 24, 2008 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |
  120. RDS

    Joe is still trying to hold on to those 15 minutes of fame...LOL. He's even shopping around a book. Can't blame Joe if the opportunity arises might as well take advantage. But he may be getting a little too "big for his britches" as they say in MS.

    Obama/Biden 08!

    October 24, 2008 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |
  121. LJ in MD

    He might be the most viable RepubliKKKan candidate running for congress in 2010.
    They are gaining experience promoting vacuous, inexperienced, uneducated candidates that show skill in lying for the party.

    October 24, 2008 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |
  122. Larry

    It makes sense as I'm sure he's the best and the brightest that the republican party has to offer.

    October 24, 2008 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |
  123. Ann - Maryland

    You have got to be kidding me. He's not even a licensed plumber! And I know I'm not the only one who's sick and tired of hearing about this guy. November 4th can't come soon enough...

    Obama/Biden '08

    October 24, 2008 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |
  124. S-------n for Congress

    Wait, I forgot, I won't pay taxes either
    YEAH

    No, I'm not a PLUMPBER

    October 24, 2008 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |
  125. Vincent, Great Lakes, Illinois

    Under the Bush administration, I have become BITTER.

    That One 2008

    October 24, 2008 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |
  126. mildredjohnson58@yahoo.com

    IN THE INFAMOUS WORDS OF GOV. SARAH PALIN, SAY IT AINT SO JOE. PLEASE SAY IT AINT SO!!!!

    October 24, 2008 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |
  127. cnn publish my comments

    oh lord
    if palin mouse can ran anyone can run

    and if the GOP and the RNC approves them, hey even lilmbaugh will run,

    we had rove adn cheney
    why not joe

    after all ,we are the laughing joke of the whole planet
    with brainless women speaking in non english, and old mcgrumpy being grumpy every moment and confusing cindy with palin

    ohhh
    we have lost it and our expectations are that low..............cant get lower..

    someone save the planet

    October 24, 2008 04:56 pm at 4:56 pm |
  128. Goofy as Palin

    Same mistake is made by Republicans with Joe the Plumber as they've made with Sarah Palin. At first there's excitement . . . because for awhile novelty and attitude are all that's necessary. But eventually the rest of the story gets out

    It turns out . . . Joe the Plumber doesn't have a license . . . would never qualify for the kind of bank loan necessary to buy a business with $250,000 in annual profit . . . and doesn't understand the distinction between net income and gross revenues. Probably he's an okay guy. But he's totally out of his league when it comes to the legal, political, and economic issues facing this country. And that would come out in an election.

    October 24, 2008 04:56 pm at 4:56 pm |
  129. truthsayer

    Joe the tax dodger running for office. LMAO!!

    October 24, 2008 04:56 pm at 4:56 pm |
  130. CM in AR

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.... Well let's face it gang, if Sarah can run why not Joe the unplumber! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

    October 24, 2008 04:56 pm at 4:56 pm |
  131. Thomas

    Against the rules, Joe! You have had your 15 minutes of fame. Now, go get a plumber's license, will you?

    October 24, 2008 04:56 pm at 4:56 pm |
  132. KG, Twin Cities

    Kathleen the cube dweller is rolling on the floor laughing.

    October 24, 2008 04:56 pm at 4:56 pm |
  133. Okon

    ............you better get a plumbing license, and pay all your taxes before thinking abt election, you think this few days of press will get you to unseat someone who has been in the congress for 25 years.

    October 24, 2008 04:56 pm at 4:56 pm |
  134. C

    REPUBLICANS ARE JUST PICKING UP ANYBODY OFF THE STREET THESE DAYS... HA HA HA . THE PARTY IS A JOKE! THIS GUY WAS A MCCAIN PLANT FROM THE BEGINING.

    October 24, 2008 04:56 pm at 4:56 pm |
  135. Cathy Brandes

    You can't be serious!

    October 24, 2008 04:56 pm at 4:56 pm |
  136. Stokes

    Seriously.....I might as well put my name on the ticket to run in California. The GOP again jumped the gun in showing their "support" for someone that served their immediate needs (AKA Malibu Barbie). We see how underqualified she is.....Now Joe the Plumber who doesn't make anywhere near enough money to benefit from McCain's tax plan. The guy is an idiot....Rebulicans are like Lemmings....Hateful lemmings that can't think for themselves....That is the type of people they prey on....Thank goodness for change November 4th. I can't wait for these windbags to disappear.

    October 24, 2008 04:56 pm at 4:56 pm |
  137. Brian

    at this rate he will make way over 250K with his celeb status and his taxes will rise.. its kind of a messed up way to get there but hey 250k is still more than he was making as an unlicensed plumber.

    Well I guess he could have been making 250 under the table and he wouldn't get tax increases under Obama, Bush, or McCain!!

    October 24, 2008 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  138. Wally©

    Only in America !!!!!

    October 24, 2008 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  139. Fred Goss

    If this is the best the Republicans can do, they are in big trouble. I guess if living next to Russia can make you an expert on foreign policy, I don't see why haivng been on TV and spoken to a presidential candidate cannot quality you to serve in Congress. The best of luck, Joe!

    October 24, 2008 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  140. Chris

    I swear this this only speak to the thought process of most of the Republican base!!! This guy is got 15 min of fame and he is ready to run for Congress!!! LOL I'm all for the Mr.Smith goes to Washington motiff but, come on give me a break. First he need to realize that he is currently no a plumber therefore he misrepresented himself when he purposed the question to Obama. Second he needs to pay and take care of those liens he has with his current tax situation. Third he should hope Obama wins and past a new tax plan so that, he can get a tax cut!!! OMG HOW STUPID CAN YOU BE!!! The funny part about it is the Republican base EATs this stuff up...LOL Make you go hmmmm?

    October 24, 2008 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  141. tulsa

    .......BWWWWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
    This guy is just mind blowing.

    October 24, 2008 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  142. Tired of W, OH

    Give it up, Nightingale. Your guy's not gonna win. Acceptance is always the hardest part. You'll do fine. LOL!

    October 24, 2008 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  143. theogracias

    He's more qualified then Palin...and he is not even close to being qualified to be a plumber.

    October 24, 2008 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  144. maxine

    joe your 15 minutes are up. please leave quietly.

    October 24, 2008 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  145. Kiah G

    CNN please get a life for all of us. I know Barack visiting his Toot makes for a slow news day with McCain's lying plants, Palin's daily bold face LIES, and McCain's complete and utter ineptitude. But no one in their right mind would elect this blithering idiot. back taxes owing loser to public office.

    October 24, 2008 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  146. Karen in CO

    Well, I guess he's as qualified as Sarah Palin – meaning not at all.

    October 24, 2008 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  147. adg

    OK!!! what are they thinking? they are nuts!!!!

    October 24, 2008 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  148. No McCain

    yea yea yea ...ma grandma always wanted to do this too....

    October 24, 2008 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  149. AZ4OBAMA

    Can we just stop this nonsense.....how can we elect a lying tax evading plumber for congress?

    October 24, 2008 04:58 pm at 4:58 pm |
  150. jj in Idaho

    Oh dear god no....not another minute on this guy! C'mon, Joe, don't you have an actual job any more? How do you have time for all this nonsense?

    I'm with RIF: try getting your license and paying your taxes first. I mean, if you're going to "clean up Washington," you should probably clean your own house first.

    October 24, 2008 04:58 pm at 4:58 pm |
  151. JJ

    HUH??? You can't be serious!

    October 24, 2008 04:58 pm at 4:58 pm |
  152. Obama 2008

    Why not...Sarah Palin is running for VP. That seems to be the way things are going now. People without a decent education wants to run for office just because they get some quick fame. That's exactly why the United States is in the shape it's in now.

    October 24, 2008 04:58 pm at 4:58 pm |
  153. anne

    We already know he's a liar so why not? Give me a break! That guy needs to get out of everyone's face right now!!! Obama 08

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  154. brian

    Aren't his 15 mins up yet? I guees I need a new watch.

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  155. Dave

    What a joke. For one thing, the guy's not even a plumber. For another, he's a tax cheat with a record for beating his wife; he's not gonna become a congressman. This is a very silly guy who's famous for asking about taxes based on some *theorhetical* future life he might have. The boy's so dadgum dumb that he's wanting to vote against his own current best interests in favor of some fantasy where he makes a quarter million a year. In pursuit of pie in the sky, he's going to forego lower taxes under Obama's plan, and pay more in taxes under John McCain's plan... just in case he becomes a millionaire.

    This guy lives in a constant state of "future." Someday he wants to be a plumber, then someday he wants to make $250,000, and now someday he wants to be in Congress. He's not Joe, or even Sam... he's Walter Mitty! This dude's probably going to spend the weekend building fences to keep out cattle rustlers in case he someday becomes a cowboy.

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  156. Independent for McCain-Palin

    He would have almost as mush experience as Obama.

    OBAMA = SOCIALISM

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  157. JIM IN INDIANA

    How will he have time? Since he is buying a business, and is going to be making $250K , he seems like he would be too busy to run for office.

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  158. Struggling American

    Washington does not need any more liers.

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  159. Catholic-mom-4-OBAMA

    HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE WHEN EVERYTHING.......... HE TOLD SEN. OBAMA WAS A LIE!

    NOT A PLUMBER

    NOT BUYING THE BUSINESS HE WORKED AT FOR 15 YRS

    NOT INTERESTED IN SEN. OBAMA, "JOE" WAS A PLANT, A RIGHT-WING-NUT

    GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  160. Naomi

    Okay, what happened to him trying (lying) to buy a business?

    This guy is a LOSER, LIAR, FAKE, FRAUD....

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  161. Peter (CA)

    Oh this is the best....another delusional Republican. Clear up your taxes first Joe and then do some real work instead of the imaginary stuff you and McCain have been touting.

    Nightingale-Republicans lie to hard working Americans every day. That is why we are in the mess we are in yet their good corporate friends continue to make money off of us. Pay attention.

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  162. Paul

    So he gets found out for being a tax-dodger, and for being unlicensed, and NOW he wants to be a REPUBLICAN congressman. When can we finally just call Joe for what he was: a McCain campaign PLANT!!!

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  163. Rob

    Joe, if ya do, prepare to have every imagineable (and even those unimagineable) lie thrown at you. The Barry and his fellow koolaid drinkin nutjobs have shown that no level is too low.

    Just remember – they can make up any lie about you that they want (and more than likely the media will run with it), but watch out when you bring something truthful about them. Remember, they try to dish it out but they can't take. Crybaby brigade attack.

    Although keep this in mind Joe, if Barry does become president there may not be an American Congress to run for. If we haven't been destroyed (as Biden hinted) you may want to instead consider a seat in the politburo of the Union of Socialist States under Barrack. Of course seeing as you are smarter than a thumbtack that disqualifies you from serving, or for that matter being a liberal.

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  164. Sharon

    It's interesting how the republican party has decided to choose it's representatives based on some kind of hollywood casting call. Ignore the lack of education or experience, just go for the guy or gal who looks the part. It's costing republicans a huge amount of money to dress Sarah Palin for the VP role. Extraordinary measures have been taken to explain away Joe's lies, history of tax evasion, ugly divorce involving domestic violence charges. It's really an odd way to choose a candidate.

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  165. johnrj08

    If he can wait around until 2012, I'm sure Sarah Palin would select him as her running-mate.

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  166. Rick CT

    Can't be any worse than the current flock of bozos that inhabit Congress.

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  167. Andrew

    Wait, what? After "buying his plumbing business", he's just going to drop that and become a congressman in two years?

    Well, if he becomes "Joe The Congressman", he wont be making his $250k anymore, and he wont have to worry about Obama's tax plan! Genius!

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  168. CR in WI

    The founding fathers would prefer he sticks to unclogging the toilet. . .

    BO08

    October 24, 2008 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  169. Dan, TX

    LOL, he should be Palin's VP pick in 2012!!!

    October 24, 2008 05:00 pm at 5:00 pm |
  170. Nelson Colorado Springs Co

    If Wurzelbacher run for congress,he better pay those back Taxes, finish plummer school, open his bussiness. Go Obama/Biden

    October 24, 2008 05:00 pm at 5:00 pm |
  171. No McCain

    Sure Joe, go for it...if Bush can become a President, why not you....why not...

    October 24, 2008 05:00 pm at 5:00 pm |
  172. NoMcSame

    Fun Joe Run. Ha ha ha. The party is truly a joke.

    October 24, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  173. Joe the Dumber

    Joe. Joe.... Joe...... you are a loser. No one wants to hear from you after your republican plant stunt. You were lying. Get lost Joe.

    October 24, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  174. Tim in NC

    NOT NEWS...

    It will be in 2010 if this slacker actually does it.

    October 24, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  175. Shari, NY

    Songbird, Nightingale. People like you are needed on the board to help OBAMA win. You claim you have info from reliable sources re McCain's grandiose plans. You have been fleeced by your clairvoyant.

    October 24, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  176. JP

    Still milking the 15 minutes, so much for wanting the media to leave him alone.

    October 24, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  177. Ted:Canada

    they took your job away
    they took your house away
    they took your money away
    they took your early retirement away
    they took thousands of your young soldiers away
    they took your respect away
    they took your future away…
    and you would still vote republican??

    hard for people who believe in true democracy to understand!

    if a foreign country had done this to you – you would have declared WAR on them…

    Joe check with your doctor!

    hope you have herlth care!

    October 24, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  178. Get a life!

    There is a full week left in the campaign, maybe Palin will ditch McCain and run w/ Joe the Plumber for Pres and VP

    October 24, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  179. CTSadler

    I'm sure Joe the Tax Cheat, Joe the Fool, and Joe the Sham will back him wholeheartedly.

    October 24, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  180. MG Nashville

    He definately has enough flaws to run on a Republican ticket. Sign him up!

    October 24, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  181. JS

    I have to admit I'm confused about this whole "Republican" thing. Sam Wurzelbacher may have committed a crime by not paying his income taxes. Why is that OK? Why is it OK for a guy to practice any profession without a license? Is it because he's an American, darn it?To paraphrase Pat Buchanan: would the right still be deliriously in love with Wurzelbacher if he was an undocumented Mexican immigrant?

    October 24, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  182. Jeff

    Plunge the crap out of Washington...... Really? The gimmicky crap surrounding this guy is amazing....

    October 24, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  183. Tired of W, OH

    Joe the Plumber and Sarah Palin. Welcome to the new face of the GOP. Even dumber than the old face. At this rate, the dems will be in office for about a century.

    October 24, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  184. Vince

    After Palin/Plumber fails in 2012, the GOP will once again turn on itself declaring Palin a false Joe sixpack.

    Joe the Plumber will begin searching for his 2016 running mate and select Bob the Builder for a Plumber/Builder GOP ticket in 2016.

    October 24, 2008 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  185. Laura

    Bush and Cheney cast ballots for McCain ............. how sad it must been to know that McCain and for sure not Obama would want their votes .... ouch.

    October 24, 2008 05:02 pm at 5:02 pm |
  186. GAP

    Joe, the unlicensed Plumber, probably shouldn't be working as a plumber never mind running for a seat in Congress. This guy is a real winner.

    October 24, 2008 05:02 pm at 5:02 pm |
  187. lol election

    OH well, comes to show anyone can be a politician.

    “Plunge the crap out of Washington.”

    I love that slogan, he really should run with it. But other than that, what message is Joe gonna bring? what kind of platform is he gonna prop?

    Since he is poor, makes only $40,000 a year, and is self employed and struggling, I'm sure he's gonna become a very liberal republican.

    Oh well, GO JOE! just don't go off spouting crazies like trying to tell us the average american makes $250,000 a year or that people who do earn $250,000 a year are struggling.

    October 24, 2008 05:02 pm at 5:02 pm |
  188. John Merrigan

    What a geek Joe has turned out to be......run for the sake of running. Hey Joe, have you finally figured out that McCain's tax policies will only benefit Joe the CEO?

    Agreeing to run against an incumbent democrat shows that you wouldn't vote for Obama even if he said you woud pay zero in taxes.

    Oh, and when you buy that plumbing buisness, good luck getting a loan. The credit markets (if you have credit...see $1,000 owed in back taxes) are dried up.

    October 24, 2008 05:02 pm at 5:02 pm |
  189. endithinks

    James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin are all rolling over in disgust right now. We have lost our way soooo badly.

    Let's get back on track and vote Obama in.

    October 24, 2008 05:02 pm at 5:02 pm |
  190. bini

    Sarah Palin & Joe the Plumber, now there's the ticket.

    October 24, 2008 05:02 pm at 5:02 pm |
  191. Aaron

    He's a big liar – he'd be an awesome politician!

    October 24, 2008 05:03 pm at 5:03 pm |
  192. andy

    How about Thomas the Tank Engine? Sure to score high on security issues, since his middle name is Tank. We're all a bunch of idiots.

    October 24, 2008 05:03 pm at 5:03 pm |
  193. David Peter

    Joe sounds like the perfect candidate for another bs soap-opera campaign from the republicans. He is following McCain's footsteps, just like McCain is following in Bush's (failed) example.

    October 24, 2008 05:03 pm at 5:03 pm |
  194. dwayne

    What makes this guy qualify to run for an elected office? Did even he go to college and I don't mean driving by or thru one! 15 minutes of fame is gone thru Joe the Idiot, Joe the Tax Evader head!

    October 24, 2008 05:03 pm at 5:03 pm |