Joe the Plumber 'owes taxes'

US election sensation Joe the Plumber’s story has sprung a few leaks.

The man who was held up by John McCain as the typical, hard-working American taxpayer is not really a licensed plumber. And court documents show he owes nearly €900 in back taxes.

“Joe”, whose name is Samuel Wurzelbacher, was cited repeatedly in Wednesday night’s final presidential debate by McCain for questioning Barack Obama’s tax policy.

Mr Wurzelbacher instantly became a media celebrity, fielding calls during the debate and facing reporters outside his home near Toledo yesterday for an impromptu, nationally televised news conference.

The burly, bald man acknowledged he doesn’t have a plumber’s licence, but said he did not need one because he works for someone else at a company that does residential work.

But Mr Wurzelbacher still would need to be a licensed apprentice or journeyman to work in Toledo, and he is not, said David Golis, manager and residential building official for the Toledo Division of Building Inspection.

State and local records show Mr Wurzelbacher has no licence, although his employer does. Mr Golis said there are no records of inspectors citing Mr Wurzelbacher for unlicensed work in Toledo.

Mr Wurzelbacher owes the state of Ohio €900 in personal income tax, according to Lucas County Court of Common Pleas records.

In January 2007, Ohio’s Department of Taxation filed a claim on his property until he pays the debt, according to the records. The lien remains active.

At the debate, Mr McCain cited Mr Wurzelbacher as an example of someone who wants to buy a plumbing business but would be hurt by Obama’s tax plans.

Mr Wurzelbacher, a self-described conservative, had spoken to Mr Obama at a rally on Sunday near his home and asked him whether his tax plan would keep him from buying the business that currently employs him.

During an afternoon taping of Late Show with David Letterman, Mr McCain said he had not yet spoken to Mr Wurzelbacher, and apologised for the press attention he had received.

“Joe, if you’re watching, I’m sorry,” Mr McCain said.

Mr Wurzelbacher had to deal with two dozen reporters outside his home on a narrow street. He said he felt a bit overwhelmed by all the attention.

“I’m kind of like Britney Spears having a headache. Everybody wants to know about it,” he joked.