Current:Home > FinanceJoe the Plumber, who questioned Obama’s tax policies during the 2008 campaign, has died at 49 -Infinite Edge Learning
Joe the Plumber, who questioned Obama’s tax policies during the 2008 campaign, has died at 49
View
Date:2025-04-13 02:06:14
TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Samuel “Joe” Wurzelbacher, who was thrust into the political spotlight as “Joe the Plumber” after questioning Barack Obama about his economic policies during the 2008 presidential campaign, has died, his son said Monday. He was 49.
His oldest son, Joey Wurzelbacher, said his father died Sunday in Wisconsin after a long illness. His family announced this year on an online fundraising site that he had pancreatic cancer.
“The only thing I have to say is that he was a true patriot,” Joey Wurzelbacher — whose father had the middle name Joseph and went by Joe — said in a telephone interview. “His big thing is that everyone come to God. That’s what he taught me, and that’s a message I hope is heard by a lot of people.”
He went from toiling as a plumber in suburban Toledo, Ohio, to life as a media sensation when he asked Obama about his tax plan during a campaign stop.
Their exchange and Obama’s response that he wanted to “spread the wealth around” aired often on cable news. Days later, Obama’s Republican opponent, U.S. Sen. John McCain, repeatedly cited “Joe the Plumber” in a presidential debate.
Wurzelbacher went on to campaign with McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, but he later criticized McCain in his book and said he did not want him as the GOP presidential nominee.
His sudden fame turned him into a sought-after voice for many anti-establishment conservatives, and he traveled the country speaking at tea party rallies and conservative gatherings.
He also wrote a book and worked with a veterans organization that provided outdoor programs for wounded soldiers.
In 2012, he made a bid for a U.S. House seat in Ohio, but he lost in a landslide to Democrat Marcy Kaptur in a district heavily tilted toward Democrats.
Republicans had recruited him to run and thought his fame would help bring in enough money to mount a serious challenge. But he drew criticism during the campaign for suggesting that the United States should build a fence at the Mexico border and “start shooting” at suspected illegal immigrants.
Wurzelbacher returned to working as a plumber after he gave up on politics, his family said.
Funeral arrangements were pending. Survivors include his wife, Katie, and four children.
___
Associated Press writer Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report.
veryGood! (581)
Related
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Gov. DeSantis signs bill requiring teaching of history of communism in Florida schools
- Anti-Trump Republican Larry Hogan navigates dangerous political terrain in pivotal Senate contest
- Kentucky lawmaker says he wants to renew efforts targeting DEI initiatives on college campuses
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- Tennessee judge wants more information on copyright before ruling on school shooter’s writings
- Woman at risk of losing her arm after being attacked by dog her son rescued, brought home
- Senate rejects Mayorkas impeachment charges at trial, ending GOP bid to oust him
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- Jennifer Love Hewitt Debuts Her 3 Kids on Book Cover: All the Details
Ranking
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- Is it Time to Retire the Term “Clean Energy”?
- Gov. DeSantis signs bill requiring teaching of history of communism in Florida schools
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Firecrackers
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Millennials want to retire by 60. Good luck with that.
- Albany Football Star AJ Simon Dead at 25
- New Black congressional district in Louisiana bows to politics, not race, backers say
Recommendation
The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
Ashanti engaged to Nelly, reveals she's pregnant after rekindling their romance
Trump lawyers say Stormy Daniels refused subpoena outside a Brooklyn bar, papers left ‘at her feet’
Vermont farms are still recovering from flooding as they enter the growing season
How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
Israelis grapple with how to celebrate Passover, a holiday about freedom, while many remain captive
Suspects arrested in Arkansas block party shooting that left 1 dead, 9 hurt
Plumbing repairs lead to startling discovery of century-old treasure hidden inside Michigan home