"Joe the Plumber" to speak at Reagan Dinner

By Jim Hook

jhook@publicopinionnews.com @JimHookPO on Twitter

Antrim Township>> Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, who gained political prominence as "Joe the Plumber," will be the keynote speaker at the fifth annual Ronald Reagan Dinner.

"Joe the Plumber brings a unique perspective to the dinner because he's not a politician," said Joshua Bussard, chairman of the Franklin County Young Republicans. "He's an activist. That embodies what the Young Republicans are. We're all activists."

Wurzelbacher was dubbed "Joe the Plumber" during the 2008 presidential campaign after he asked Barack Obama about his tax policy during a campaign stop in Ohio. Obama's response included "when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody." John McCain's campaign seized on the encounter and used Joe the Plumber to symbolize middle America.

The dinner will be held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 23 in Green Grove Gardens, 1032 Buchanan Trail East, Shady Grove. Tickets are $30 each. A table is $200.

Guests can meet Wurzelbacher during a VIP reception at 1 p.m. for an additional $20.

"We are starting the 2014 election season off with a premier event, featuring Conservative activists and candidates from around the region," Bussard said.

Congressional candidates will be given a chance to speak, he said.

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"Joe the Plumber" to speak at Reagan Dinner