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Plumbing for answers

Ohio Democrats have a lot of explaining to do

Joe Wurzelbacher, aka ''Joe the Plumber,'' has gotten his 15 minutes (and more) of fame, ever since John McCain tapped him as the Everyman in the final presidential debate. McCain has deployed Joe as a prop in a quest to win the affections of the middle class, Joe having expressed concerns about the tax policies of Barack Obama.

Actually, Joe may have more immediate fears — from Democrats lurking in state government, prying into his personal life, a matter now the subject of investigations by the Ohio inspector general and the Ohio Highway Patrol. They are examining highly questionable uses of state databases to dig up information about the resident of the Toledo area.

Particularly disturbing was an admission by Helen Jones-Kelly, the director of the Department of Job and Family Services, that she had authorized a check of the state child-support computer system. ''We often take a look,'' when someone is in the public eye, she explained, citing a case involving a lottery winner. That makes sense, the financial windfall a possible source to pay delinquent child support.

Jones-Kelly has since amplified her ''take a look'' remark. The trouble is, the Wurzelbacher situation still doesn't fit the agency criteria she has described. He landed on the public stage. He didn't get there via big money dropping into his lap.

For his part, Ted Strickland so far sees no political overtones or improper access. Really? Investigations are just getting started. The governor would do well to wait until they are concluded before offering further opinions. According to the Columbus Dispatch, databases at the attorney general's office and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles also were accessed, some through the Cuyahoga County Child Support Enforcement Agency and the Toledo Police Department. Both agencies are in Democratic strongholds.

Were Democrats seeking to embarrass Joe the Plumber, using the state data system for baldly partisan purposes, violating laws in doing so? Ohioans deserve a complete answer, and if the answer is yes, they should expect dismissals and prosecutions.

Joe Wurzelbacher, aka ''Joe the Plumber,'' has gotten his 15 minutes (and more) of fame, ever since John McCain tapped him as the Everyman in the final presidential debate. McCain has deployed Joe as a prop in a quest to win the affections of the middle class, Joe having expressed concerns about the tax policies of Barack Obama.

Get the full article here.


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Mic Man

Posted 10:34 AM, 10/31/2008

Sounds like something the Democrats would do!














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