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Title: Plumbers send Joe down the drain
Source:
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URL Source: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/65746.html
Published: Oct 12, 2011
Author: PATRICK GAVIN
Post Date: 2011-10-12 13:55:54 by Skip Intro
Keywords: None
Views: 52862
Comments: 107
As Joe Wurzelbacher, aka “Joe the Plumber,” looks for support for a possible congressional run, he won’t find a lot of backing in one particular demographic: Plumbers. Some of the nation’s most notable plumbing trade organizations are reacting to news of Wurzelbacher’s run with disinterest or, in one case, disgust. Rick Terven, Sr. is with The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (know simply as “UA” to the 340,000 members it claims) and writes POLITICO in an email: “As you know both Dennis Kucinich and Marcy Kaptor are also considering this race and have stood by working families time and time again. In doing so they both have earned the strong support of our members in Ohio. ‘Joe the Plumber’ may have played a part in the 2008 election story, but we know that the plumbers of the United Association and all other plumbers who care about working people will continue to support either Democratic nominee, not ‘Joe the Plumber.’ “‘Joe the Plumber’ does not represent the United Association nor our union members in any way. This is someone who appears to care more about being a celebrity than actually helping working families.” It was revealed this week that Wurzelbacher filed papers for a potential House run in northern Ohio, although he has yet to make a final decision. Jim Kendzel is the Executive Director and CEO of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers and hadn’t heard of Wurzelbacher’s run until POLITICO’s phone call. And he didn’t seem moved by it either way, saying: “We encourage all of our members to be active in legislative and code process both at the local and state and federal level promoting good plumbing, engineering practices.” But as for Wurzelbacher, specifically? “We really don’t have any comment related to that.” Well, except on one minor detail: “I don’t believe he’s actually a plumber.” Kendzel’s right. Wurzelbacher rose to prominence during the 2008 campaign between Barack Obama and John McCain and earned the moniker “Joe the Plumber,” even though it was subsequently revealed that he wasn’t a licensed plumber. It’s a distinction that’s not lost on the plumbing community. “I don’t think he’s actually licensed,” said Charlotte Perham, senior director of communications for the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, which bills itself on its website as “the oldest trade association in the construction industry.” “I don’t know a lot about him,” said Perham, although she did know that “he’s not a member of our organization.” “At this point, we don’t have any comment.”
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Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 10.
#1. To: Skip Intro (#0)
Film @ 11!
Personally, I hope he runs. With Palin gone and Bachmann fading there's an opening for another idiot.
Two things: One, What EXACTLY did he do that was idiotic, and Two, what defines "idiot" in your world.
1) He isn't a plumber 2) He never was going to buy a plumbing business 3) The tax increase on incomes over $250,000 was never going to affect him
2) He never was going to buy a plumbing business 3) The tax increase on incomes over $250,000 was never going to affect him 1. From what I know about JTP (which admittedly isn't a lot), it is my understanding he was working AS a plumber (but did not have a plumbing license - which may or may not be problematic depending on the local codes where one resides). Someone early on (after his momentous chance meeting with candidate Obama when he asked THE question) referred to him as "Joe the Plumber" and it stuck. Look on the bright side - at least he wasn't practicing medicine. The he would have been "Joe the Doctor." 2 and 3. This is where you may be on shaky ground. If you or I were ever thrust into the national spotlight, it's a safe bet to say our lives would be changed immeasurably - and any plans we might have had would be put on permanent hold. Who knows? He may have gone on to get his license and ended up owning a plumbing business - IF - he had not asked "THE QUESTION". And if the business was successful, $250,000 was not out of the question.
Look, I hope he runs, particularly in Ohio. He'd be perfect there.
Chyea...like...oh...say...the Ohio 2nd...
There are no replies to Comment # 10. End Trace Mode for Comment # 10.
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A CONSERVATIVE/REPUBLICAN
#2. To: Get Outta Dodge! (#1)
#3. To: Skip Intro (#2)
Personally, I hope he runs. With Palin gone and Bachmann fading there's an opening for another idiot.
#4. To: Get Outta Dodge! (#3)
One, What EXACTLY did he do that was idiotic, and
#7. To: Skip Intro (#4)
1) He isn't a plumber
#9. To: Get Outta Dodge! (#7)
#10. To: Skip Intro (#9)
Look, I hope he runs, particularly in Ohio. He'd be perfect there.
Replies to Comment # 10.
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