'Joe the Plumber' not licensed, registered

TOLEDO, Ohio, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Joe Wurselbacher, the Ohio plumber thrust into the national limelight during the presidential debate, isn't licensed and says he doesn't need one.

He is also not registered to operate as a plumber in Ohio -- which means, well, he's not a plumber, The (Toledo) Blade reported Thursday.

Wurselbacher, identified as "Joe the Plumber" during Wednesday's presidential debates, became emblematic of the American taxpayer. A weekend conversation with Democrat Barack Obama in Toledo about whether buying a small business would mean he'd be paying taxes under the Illinois senator's tax plan turned into a springboard for Republican John McCain to discuss his economy plan.

Wurzelbacher said he was hired by Newell Plumbing and Heating Co. six years ago and that the possibility of him eventually buying the company was discussed during his job interview, the Blade said.

He said he understood he could work under Newell's license as long as the licensed contractor works on the same site.

Wulzerbacher's fame irked Tom Joseph, business manager for the United Association of Plumbers, Steamfitters and Service Mechanics Local 50. He told the Blade 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," Joseph said. "We're the real Joe the Plumber."

The syndicated television show "Inside Edition" said it has public records showing the 34-year-old Wurzelbacher has two liens -- one that was released and one in effect for more than $1,182, indicating he owes money in back taxes to the state of Ohio.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

so what

Did you watch SNL last night? Joe the Plumber is really small and he has an invisible friend.

Mr. 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.

why is this relevant?

if he makes less than 250 then why is he b1tching?