History of Joe the Plumber in Timeline
"Joe the Plumber", whose real name was Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, was an American conservative activist known for his interaction with Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign. During a campaign stop, Wurzelbacher questioned Obama's proposed tax policies, expressing concern about their potential impact on small business owners like himself. This interaction garnered significant national attention and made him a symbol of anxieties surrounding taxation during the election.
1939: Germany Establishes Gun Control
In 1939, Germany implemented gun control measures, restricting access to firearms.
December 3, 1973: Birth of Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher
Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, widely known as "Joe the Plumber", was born on December 3, 1973.
1996: Wurzelbacher's Career Transition
After serving in the U.S. Air Force until 1996, Wurzelbacher briefly worked as a plumber's assistant before switching careers to work for the telecommunications company Global Crossing.
2006: Wurzelbacher's Income and Business Aspirations
In 2006, court records indicated that Wurzelbacher earned $40,000. He had previously mentioned his intention to buy the plumbing firm he worked for, an idea discussed during his job interview six years prior.
January 2007: Unpaid Taxes Lead to Lien Against Wurzelbacher
In January 2007, a tax lien was filed against Wurzelbacher for unpaid Ohio state income taxes.
October 12, 2008: Wurzelbacher Questions Obama's Tax Plan
On October 12, 2008, during a campaign stop in Toledo, Ohio, Wurzelbacher questioned Barack Obama about his tax plan, expressing concern that it would negatively impact small business owners.
October 15, 2008: "Joe the Plumber" Becomes a Talking Point in Presidential Debate
On October 15, 2008, during the final presidential debate, "Joe the Plumber" was repeatedly mentioned by John McCain, leading to significant media attention for Wurzelbacher.
October 16, 2008: Tax Lien Against Wurzelbacher Revealed
On October 16, 2008, news broke about an outstanding tax lien against Wurzelbacher for unpaid Ohio state income taxes from January 2007. Wurzelbacher claimed he was unaware of the lien.
October 24, 2008: Wurzelbacher Considers Congressional Run
On October 24, 2008, Laura Ingraham posed a question to Joe Wurzelbacher regarding the possibility of him running against Marcy Kaptur in a congressional race. In response, Wurzelbacher shared that he had given the idea some thought and expressed openness to the possibility.
November 2008: Joe the Plumber: Fighting for the American Dream Publication
In November 2008, Joe Wurzelbacher, in collaboration with novelist Thomas Tabback, released his book titled "Joe the Plumber: Fighting for the American Dream." Published by PearlGate Publishing, the book delves into Wurzelbacher's perspectives on American values. In the book, he notably critiques John McCain, expressing his disapproval of McCain as the Republican presidential nominee.
November 2008: Wurzelbacher Featured in DTV Transition Commercials
Wurzelbacher was hired in November 2008 to appear in a series of commercials promoting the transition from analog to digital television (DTV) in the United States. The videos aimed to educate consumers about the changeover.
November 20, 2008: Privacy Violation Against Wurzelbacher Reported
An employee of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) reported a privacy violation on November 20, 2008, after being instructed to search for Wurzelbacher's information in state databases.
December 10, 2008: Wurzelbacher Criticizes McCain's Support for Bank Bailout
On December 10, 2008, it was reported that Joe Wurzelbacher publicly criticized John McCain's vote in favor of the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, commonly known as the bank bailout.
December 17, 2008: ODJFS Director Resigns Over Privacy Violation
Helen Jones-Kelley, the director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), resigned on December 17, 2008, following an investigation into the improper search of Wurzelbacher's personal information in state databases.
2008: Wurzelbacher's Plumbing Credentials Scrutinized
During the 2008 election, Wurzelbacher's plumbing credentials came under scrutiny. Reports emerged that he lacked the necessary licensing and registration to operate as a plumber in Ohio, working under someone else's license.
2008: Wurzelbacher Explores Media Opportunities
Following his rise to fame, Wurzelbacher signed with a publicity management agent in 2008 to explore various media opportunities, including a potential record deal, personal appearances, and corporate sponsorships.
2008: Joe the Plumber Gains National Attention
In 2008, Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, known as "Joe the Plumber," gained national recognition during the U.S. presidential campaign for questioning Barack Obama's tax policies.
January 6, 2009: Ohio Enacts Law to Protect Personal Information
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland signed House Bill 648 into law on January 6, 2009, making it illegal to improperly access personal information in state databases. The law, effective after 90 days, established civil and criminal penalties for such violations.
March 5, 2009: Wurzelbacher Files Lawsuit over Privacy Violation
Judicial Watch filed a lawsuit on March 5, 2009, on behalf of Wurzelbacher against former ODJFS director Helen Jones-Kelley and two other employees. The lawsuit alleged that they improperly accessed Wurzelbacher's personal information in state databases as retaliation for his criticism of Barack Obama.
May 2009: Wurzelbacher Quits Republican Party
In a report published by Time magazine in May 2009, it was revealed that Joe Wurzelbacher had decided to leave the Republican Party.
June 25, 2009: Wurzelbacher's Controversial Remarks at "Pints and Politics"
During his speech at the "Pints and Politics" event in Wausau, Wisconsin on June 25, 2009, Joe Wurzelbacher sparked controversy by questioning why Chris Dodd hadn't been held accountable. He also expressed his belief that the Founding Fathers opposed socialism and communism.
October 14, 2009: Former Contractor Charged with Accessing Wurzelbacher's Information
On October 14, 2009, it was reported that a former contractor for the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police was facing charges for allegedly accessing Wurzelbacher's confidential information through state computers and a law-enforcement computer network.
February 13, 2010: Wurzelbacher Publicly Criticizes McCain
On February 13, 2010, Joe Wurzelbacher attended a political event in support of Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Sam Rohrer. Following the event, Wurzelbacher spoke to a reporter and made critical remarks about John McCain, accusing McCain of exploiting him and negatively impacting his life.
August 4, 2010: Wurzelbacher's Lawsuit Dismissed
On August 4, 2010, the U.S. District Court in Columbus dismissed Wurzelbacher's lawsuit, ruling that the state database search did not violate his constitutional right to privacy.
2010: Campaign to Draft Wurzelbacher for Congress
Following Joe Wurzelbacher's encounter with Barack Obama, a campaign emerged with the goal of encouraging Wurzelbacher to run for the United States House of Representatives in the 2010 election. The campaign was initiated through the website joewurzelbacher2010.com.
2010: Redistricting Impacts Kaptur's Congressional District
In 2010, following the Census, Ohio underwent a redistricting process overseen by the state's Republican-controlled legislature. As a result of this redistricting, the congressional districts of Marcy Kaptur and Dennis Kucinich were combined into a single district.
February 2011: Wurzelbacher Participates in Wisconsin Counter-Demonstration
Joe Wurzelbacher participated in a counter-demonstration in Wisconsin in February 2011. The counter-demonstration was held in response to protests against Governor Scott Walker's efforts to eliminate collective bargaining rights for certain public employees.
October 7, 2011: Wurzelbacher Files for Congressional Candidacy
On October 7, 2011, Joe Wurzelbacher formally submitted the necessary paperwork to the Federal Election Commission, signifying his intention to challenge Democratic incumbent Marcy Kaptur in the 2012 race for Ohio's 9th congressional seat.
March 6, 2012: Wurzelbacher Wins Republican Primary
In the Republican primary election held on March 6, 2012, Joe Wurzelbacher emerged victorious, securing his position as the party's nominee in the race. He triumphed over his challenger, Steven Kraus, in the primary.
March 25, 2012: Dismissal of Wurzelbacher's Lawsuit Upheld
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit upheld the dismissal of Wurzelbacher's lawsuit on March 25, 2012.
June 2012: Wurzelbacher Links Gun Control to Historical Tragedies
In June 2012, Joe Wurzelbacher's election campaign released a video that drew criticism for its controversial content. In the video, Wurzelbacher made a connection between gun control and the Holocaust, arguing that the implementation of gun control measures in Germany in 1939 left Jews vulnerable during the Holocaust. He suggested that their inability to defend themselves was a direct result of these policies.
August 2012: Wurzelbacher's Controversial Remark on Immigration
In August 2012, Joe Wurzelbacher faced criticism for a controversial comment he made regarding illegal immigration during a campaign rally in support of Arizona State Senator Lori Klein. Wurzelbacher suggested erecting a fence along the border with Mexico and resorting to shooting as a means of addressing illegal immigration. His remarks drew condemnation for their inflammatory and insensitive nature.
November 2012: Wurzelbacher Loses Congressional Election to Kaptur
Joe Wurzelbacher's bid for a congressional seat ended in defeat in November 2012. He lost the election to Marcy Kaptur, who secured a significant victory with over 70% of the vote.
2012: Wurzelbacher Launches "Joe For America" News Website
In 2012, Joe Wurzelbacher established "Joe For America," a news-focused website.
2012: Wurzelbacher Challenges Kaptur for Congress
In 2012, Joe Wurzelbacher ran for Congress in Ohio's 9th congressional district against incumbent Marcy Kaptur.
2012: Joe the Plumber Runs for Congress
In 2012, Wurzelbacher ran for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican in Ohio's 9th congressional district. He lost the election to incumbent Democrat Marcy Kaptur.
February 2014: Wurzelbacher Joins Jeep Plant, Faces Criticism
In February 2014, Joe Wurzelbacher began working at a Jeep manufacturing facility, a role that required him to become a member of the United Auto Workers union. During his time at the plant, Wurzelbacher faced criticism and was labeled a "tea-bagger" by his colleagues.
2014: Wurzelbacher's Controversial Letter on Gun Control
In 2014, Joe Wurzelbacher wrote a controversial open letter addressed to the families of the individuals who tragically lost their lives in the 2014 Isla Vista killings. In his letter, Wurzelbacher asserted his right to protect his family and stated that his Constitutional rights, specifically the Second Amendment right to bear arms, should not be infringed upon.
2016: Wurzelbacher's Support for Donald Trump
In the 2016 presidential election, Joe Wurzelbacher cast his vote for Donald Trump.
2022: Wurzelbacher Diagnosed with Cancer
In 2022, Joe Wurzelbacher received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
August 27, 2023: Death of Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher
Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, widely known as "Joe the Plumber", passed away on August 27, 2023.
