Checks on 'Joe' more extensive than first acknowledged
Helen Jones-Kelley of the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services stated, "Given our understanding that Mr. Wurzelbacher had publicly indicated that he had the means to purchase a substantial business enterprise, ODJFS, consistent with past departmental practice, checked confidential databases."
She continued by stating, "Not surprisingly, when a person behind in child support payments or receiving public assistance is receiving significant media attention which suggests that the person appears to have available financial resources, the Department risks justifiable criticism if it fails to take note and respond."
"She said on Monday that her department frequently runs checks for any unpaid child support obligations 'when someone is thrust quickly into the public spotlight.'"
ODJFS checked Joe because of his claim to be buying a business while being behind on child support payments. This should not hurt the Obama campaign unless someone produces some evidence showing that the Obama campaign encouraged the investigation. Although the anti-Obamaites out there will not allow reality to get in the way; they will definitely use it against him without any sound reasoning. I can already hear the new round of robocalls and anti-Obama commercials. Forget any chance of McCain trying to get us to vote for McCain. It's much easier to get people to not vote for Obama.
In the end, Joe the Plumber is really not the type of guy that I would want to be the mascot of my campaign. He's behind on child support and probably believes that Obama will actually raise his taxes when he does not make over $250,000 a year. The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services was just practicing due diligence in running checks on him.
