By Alice

November 18, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

I don’t think the problem here is that the information was uncovered, but HOW it was uncovered and what was done with the info. State computers and time should not be used for political purposes. However, why is it a problem that it was uncovered that he owed back taxes or that he wasn’t properly licensed? Every year, newspapers print, per local Auditor’s offices, delinquent tax lists. It is humiliating to be on the list, but it’s all the more reason to pay your taxes. I once read a news story where a guy won several million dollars in the lottery and his name and photo were printed in a local newspaper about the winnings. An employee at a Child Support Enforcement Agency saw the story, ran a check, and found out that the lottery winner owed thousands of dollars in back child support. Not only did he have to pay the back support, but he was ordered by a judge to give most his winnings to his many children as a punishment. This seems to support the claim that “it was common practice for her department to do research on Ohioans in the news.” I don’t disagree with that but there is a fine line. Again, the research should ONLY pertain to the area that specific agency covers (let CSEA check for child support, Auditors to check taxes, etc…) and whatever info found should be used only to resolve the issue (to claim back child support or back taxes, etc…) and not for media fodder. Further, if the agencies did their job they wouldn’t have to wait for someone to make headline news to raise a red flag. I really can’t believe the media needs any help digging up dirt on people anyways… Jones-Kelley was wrong not because she ran a check on Joe, but because she checked things outside of her jurisdiction, she used email for campaigning purposes and she apparently played some part in leaking this stuff to the press. I can’t believe that a bill needs to created to show that she violated anything - I would think the policies are already in place, they just need to be enforced.

By Philman

November 17, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

We know more about Joe the Plumber than we do about Obama,thats a shame. there are 1/2 dozen ohio govt.branches being investigated for improper search’s on poor Joe.you won’t read that in the liberal piece of crap ddn, try the Columbus Dispatch. the culture of corruption is alive and well in the Democrat party.

By David

November 17, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

“The real issue here is that Obama’s mother pulled a scam to get a phony forged Hawaii certificate issued when the facts clearly have shown that Obama was born in Kenya.” Ha! Even if Obama had been born in Kenya, his mother was an American citizen so he’d still be eligible to be president. Idiot!

By mwm

November 17, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Joe the whatever, wanted publicity and that is what he got. It is irrational to compare a lie based war in Iraq with a person getting Jesus. And that is exactly what Joe the whatever did. Whose name is not joe, who was not really a plumber, who was not going to purchase a business and who owed back taxes. TRS, just stick to the republican party… You know the party of deviants, druggies, criminals and liars.

By TRS

November 16, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

MWM - I agree most Americans have rational thoughts - so what happened to you?

By Michael Hunt

November 16, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Who the heck is Shannon Jones? And this is rich: House Speaker Jon Husted, R-Kettering, gave her the OK to proceed, she said. “This is a foundational issue,” Jones said. “Government ought not be used for mud-raking expeditions. This looks like it was done for political purposes.” Yes, government should not be used for muckraking purposes. That’s why its interesting that Husted, R-Upper Arlington er.. I mean Dayton, wanted to expand the scope of the inspector general in another recent bill to beyond executive agencies. Could it be so the freshman senator from central Ohio — oh, I mean Dayton — could use it to conduct a witch hunt? Of course not…

By john doe

November 15, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Well…I seem to remember a couple of functionaries looking up Obama’s passport info and being fired as a result. Wrong is Wrong. The same people on this blog defending this lady would probably agree the “patriot act” is wrong…what’s the difference?

By Jim

November 15, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Barry, I think sending someone to Prison for, “the rest of time” is a little extreme. Maybe she should lose her job, but Prison? Really? I have a hard time sending someone to prison for something they could have easily done in privacy of their own home on their own PC. I hate to burst your your bubble, but the facts on Joe would have leaked out eventually. Jones-Kelly just flushed him out in the open a little sooner.

By Meg

November 15, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

She investigated a possible dead-beat dad. He was described as an unlicensed plumber. That was a red flag and she was doing her job, period.

By Stump

November 15, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Yes, what she did was wrong. I work for the government and the idea that some one can snoop because they don’t like what you say should send chills up your back. I voted for Obama, voted almost a straight dem ticket. But snooping works both ways. Pass the law and get rid of the those who snoop on you!

By Jayne

November 15, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Fire her, fine her, then require she disclose her financial and personal records. An eye for an eye…..

By Jamie

November 15, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

We need a Joe the Plumber law… to stop the leaks!

By Joe Blow

November 15, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Another way for one of many “Joe the DeadBeatDad’s” to beat the system.

By Patty

November 15, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Ohio Inspector General Tom Charles said his office is now looking at a half-dozen agencies that accessed state records on Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher. the taxation department conducted two separate searches of a database of liens for unpaid taxes that were certified to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for collection. John Kohlstrand, a taxation department spokesman, said he is prohibited from talking about individual taxpayers, but he confirmed that the databases were checked. The department’s first search of the day was unsuccessful because of incorrect information about the individual, Kohlstrand said. Ohio Attorney General Nancy Rogers’ office then contacted taxation because it was having difficulty accessing the database, Kohlstrand said. After the two agencies talked, taxation completed a successful search. Kohlstrand said that the AG’s office wanted access to the records so they could turn over to the national media lien information that was a public record in Lucas County. He said the national media did not have reporters in Toledo, so the attorney general’s office was helping them out with public records. Jim Gravelle, a spokesman for Attorney General Rogers, said he could not comment on individual records because of privacy issues. He said he would not confirm or deny that the AG’s office went to taxation or whether his office had been queried by the inspector general. Now isn’t that nice our own governmental officials want to help the media out. Then they pick and choose when they speak. Cannot comment because of privacy issues. Hmm! Our governmental officials in Ohio obviously do not work for us even though we pay their salaries. Which are more than I make how about you?

By Barry

November 15, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

the only way we do not need this legislation is that after an investigation, she is found to have been in the wrong and not fired, tried, convicted and sent to jail for the rest of time. if you are a politician and you try to ruin someone’s life to further your political agenda you ought to have your mortal remains fed to the carrion eaters

By Deb's Empty Liquor Bottle

November 15, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

The real issue here is that Obama’s mother pulled a scam to get a phony forged Hawaii certificate issued when the facts clearly have shown that Obama was born in Kenya. So now we have to sit here and watch a foreigner destroy our Country.

By Dan

November 15, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Hey people give it a rest. It’s time for buckeye football and right now nothing else matters. Go Bucks!!

By mwm

November 15, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Joe the whatever he was, did not represent any american. His image was used as some sort of delusional conservative image of the middle class. With no connection to the reality of being middle class. For Joe the whatever, to link the war in Iraq, bringing freedom to Iraqis as being the same as someone getting Jesus, was a bunch of BS used to play up to the republican base. I would guess if one is a warmonger, a right wing evangelical or some demented Limbaugh listener, they would greet Joe the whatever with open arms. However Most Americans are nothing like Joe and actually have rational thoughts. Joe the whatever, deserves what he gets when he seeked out publicity.

By TRS

November 15, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

And now we have a conspiracy theorist - Insider! Get your facts straight - Obama was in Joe’s neighborhood, Obama approached Joe. Go find it on Youtube and watch it instead of advancing your idiotic theories.

By TRS

November 15, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Get your facts straight - the comment made by Obama for “spreading the wealth around” made national news and the next day Joe’s information was all over the place. After that, the campaign made an issue of what Obama said and you folks have done nothing by try to discredit ol’ Joe with nit picky lies and inuendo to divert the attention from his “spread the wealth” comment. Then, as now, we really don’t know President elect Obama and what he will do. We hear what he says but that seems to contradict his record. The comment he made revealed something about his way of thinking. For doing that his supporters have said “lets crusify Joe” for asking the question. Even if one were to acknowledge that all you’ve said about Joe is true, and that certainly isn’t the case, what does that change? Not a darn thing. Pres Elect Obama still believes that “spreading the wealth around” is a good thing and what Joe did or said hasn’t a thing to do with that.

By insider

November 15, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Joe the Drifter was a fraud. He also had a suspended driver permit in Arizona for failure to pay numerous parking and traffic violations. Joe doesn’t seem to pay anything. I wonder how the media found that out and I wonder if the ACLU is going after the state of Arizona too. Yep, Joe was a fraud. Isn’t it amazing how his question was caught on film and the republicans just happened to trip over it? They couldn’t tell you where Toledo is. Can we recognize a planted actor when we see one? Sure can!

By p

November 15, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Joe asked a simple question and got the answer from Obama. Then John Bush McCain tried to make something out of nothing and then is when Joe got almost famous. McCain opened him up to the public.

By Barry

November 15, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

The bottom line is the networks spent more time “investigating” Joe then they did Obama. And to many people took the blue pill (look up the matrix if you don’t get it or if you think I am talking about sex aids)

By Bill

November 15, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Like so many knee jerk reaction laws this one covers existing laws that should have already been enforced to penalize the idiots that were doing the checking. Just like the morons wanting to add to gun laws, these will do nothing and just add to an already overcrowded law book. Tell the lawyers to shut up, let the civilian non lawyers work this out. That state worker needs her hind end fired.

By Jim

November 15, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

TRS, I’m sure if the exchange between Obama and Joe had ended in Toledo, that would have been the end of the whole thing. But low and behold, Joe starts popping up at McCain rallies, talk show interviews, etc. In essence, he became part of the McCain campaign, and at that point, he became fair game. His narrative was based based on false pretenses, which is a problem. He became much more than just a guy asking a question. Now, this aardvark is out there trying to get record deals, talk show spots, books deals, etc. It’s absurd that the republicans, knowing that this guy was full of BS, would still put his case forward. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, look how they fooled people with Sarah Palin. Palin and Joe were nothing more than political gimmicks, designed to appeal to the lowest common denominator of voter intellect. I’m still not defending Jones-Kelly. She should probably be fired.

By D Day

November 15, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Yes, this Bill is necessary. Put Helen Jones-Kelly in prison and make the penalty for misuse of government power (Fed, State, County and local) a 24 year to life sentence!!

By doc6212

November 15, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this

why does this woman still have a job? she is on paid “administrative” leave. she clearly used state resources to invade his privacy and solicit donations for the Obama. she is a lier, a crier, time for her to retire.

By DALE 78

November 15, 2008 5:26 AM | Link to this

Why should Joe the plumber get special treatment .When he went on the campaign trail with the republicans he became just another politician . Besides he is looking for a book deal and is thinking about running for office ,so these things would have come out any way .

By Wordell

November 15, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

Steve: Them thar fortie dolla werds is the ownly whey I kin’ git yew to git yor 1 cent brane 2 sipheranything!!!! Yur Frend, Wordell

By TRS

November 15, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

So let me get this straight. A man, a private citizen throwing football with his son, is approached by then Senator Obama and asks a legitimate question. He then gets investigated by a Democratic official and the main stream medias as if he had committed a crime and thats OK with you Democrats who claim to be the great respecters of privacy. If the same thing would have been done to an Obama supporter you all would be screaming bloody murder. Hypocrites!!

By Jim

November 14, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

The reason I’m taking the screws Joe is because it’s completely absurd that this guy is now trying to get rich after misrepresenting himself and being disingenuous. The guy was a pawn in the Republican propaganda machine. This whole “Joe the Plumber” crap is simply another political gimmick, just like Sarah Palin. They’re both too stupid to see how they were used, they are both arrogant, and they both have a problem with egotistical inflation. It amazes me how many people fell for Palin/Plumber gags. I’m certainly not glossing over Ms. Jones-Kelly either. She was dead wrong and should be reprimanded and maybe lose her job. It’s one thing for the genie to get out of the bottle about Joe, but it certainly shouldn’t have come from a government official.

By Barb Blankenship

November 14, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

The only person that makes any sense on this entire blog is someone named Dan. He sees the big picture. We do not care about Joe the bumm anymore. Let’s use our talents and engergy to save the future of our country for our children. Stop this bickering back and forth it does not get anyone anywhere. NOW THAT IS ENOUGH SAID!!!

By Gary

November 14, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

You people taking the screws to Joe are a bunch of sore winners. Cannot believe your glossing over of using government computers for press dirt. Did she also check out Ayres or Wright? She said that it is routine to check out names in the media.

By Jim

November 14, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Patty, If you look at the entire exchange between between your boy Joe, and Obama, it’s obvious Joe was disingenuous from the start. He didn’t want to hear anything as Barack tried to answer his question. He misrepresented himself, and is now trying get rich off of false pretenses. He’s trying to get recording contracts, hired a PR guy, book deals, talk show circuit etc. This is just a joke. This is more ridiculous than Sarah Palin becoming VP.

By Dan

November 14, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

This is all immaterial. The bigger issue as we speak is that we are bankrupt as a nation. There is no hope of ever repaying the the trillion dollars of debt. Maybe some can’t comprehend what a trillion dollars is(that’s 12 zeros 1,000,000,000,000). The present administration has sold out the future of our children and their children with probably a lower standard of living than their parents have had. All that work trying to ensure your children will have a good quality of life has just been destroyed. The only way out of this before we default on our debt, is to devalue the dollar. Unfortunately, that means most of our nest eggs will lose their value, but prices and debt may be adjusted accordingly. That remains to be seen. The dollar as we know it will change and probably the new unit will be worth 10% of the old dollar. This is very involved, but will be the ultimate solution and will be done on a global scale. Who cares about ‘Joe the Bummer’, there are far more pressing issues we are confronted with and they should be your concern too.

By Christine

November 14, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

The problem is that people who hold power use their power in an unethical way need to be held accountable. It’s not just her, it’s all over the state. No one should be able to search someone’s record without them having to explain why they need the information. People need to mind their own business before minding others. Enough said!

By Everydayjoe

November 14, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

What is not being addressed—who passed Joe the Plumber’s confidential information to the news media?? Regarding Ms Kelly—what info is sealed about you

By null

November 14, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

whats right you can look up just about anything on anyone, but kelly used a state comp. which is WRONG be happy that she dosn’t check you out. guess its ok for her. nobama here wish him the best of luck (4yrs)

By Patty

November 14, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

People working to become Plumbers that do the job of Plumbers do call themselves Plumbers. I suppose to satisfy you he should have said I am a Plumber’s assistance. He said he WANTS to buy the business. He DID NOT say he makes $250,000. You need to listen to the interview. He is working to become a licensed plumber. He has dreams to buy a Plumbing Business which may make more than $250,000. These were all legitimate questions that anyone looking ahead to their future might want to ask. If I was looking at buying a business that was going to be affected by someone’s policies I would want the answers to the same questions. It was Obama that said the spread the wealth around. Until then I don’t think anybody even realized that is what Obama meant. Until Obama said that I just thought he was going to tax people more if they managed to make $250,000. If Obama’s policy was to raise taxes on everyone making $70,000 or more would it be okay to ask Joes question then?

By Jim

November 14, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Patty, Joe the Plumber did plenty wrong. He LIED about being a plumber. He LIED about buying a business. He LIED about how much money he makes. He owes back taxes. He’s been on welfare twice. He’s since tried to cash in on all this free publicity given to him under a false pretense. He’s a pathetic person IMO. What Kelly-Jones did was wrong, but please spare me all the boo-hooing over Joe the Liar.

By Jim

November 14, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Ms.Kelly-Jones made an error in judgment by using government computers for political purposes and should be reprimanded. I’m sure the facts about Joe the Plumber being a fraud would have eventually leaked out. Maybe Joe and Sarah Palin could team up for 2012 and Sarah could let Joe go on a $150,000 shopping binge for silk underpinnings and spray tanners, like she did for the First Dude. I bet William Buckley Jr. is rolling over in his grave with all this mindless drivel that has become the base of the GOP.

By Patty

November 14, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

This has nothing to do with McCain or Obama. The whole point is that a government official used their office to investigate information on a private citizen and then publicized that information. Then lies and rumors spilled across the nation. Would you like that to happen to you? What if you asked Mayor McLin about her hats or glasses and the next thing you know every detail of your life is on the national news. When you first had your period. The bunyon you had removed from your foot. How about the most stupid or embarrassing moment of your life being aired on national TV. The point is government officials do not have the right to air information about the citizens. It is abuse of power. There is a thing called the Freedom of Information Act. Which is suppose to protect the information the government has on us. This guy did not do anything wrong, therefore, there was no need to investigate him and definitely totally wrong to release the information publicly.

By steve

November 14, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Wordell, you think your George Will or something? Leave them 40 dollar words to those who know how to properly use them. I think many of you republicans are worrying too much over Obama.

By Sick of It

November 14, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Come on now - we don’t really know what happened with Ms. Kelly-Jones. We only know what the biased media tells us. Does no one care that perhaps she has done a great job at Family Services? Maybe her coworkers should speak up for her. As far as public record goes - anyone of us could have been “joe the plumber”. Anyone can find another person’s private records if they tried hard enough. Ever hear of “Intelius”???

By bob

November 14, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Nonna Not. Get your facts straight. According to the Washington Post, Bushes approval rating is 23%,this is his lowest point for him. People like you who will not accept legally elected officials is whats wrong with this country. I didnt vote for Barack Obama, but I wont badmouth him either. I will support him the best that I can because he is our legally elected president and he deserves our loyalty and support, at least for now. You Bush haters NEVER!!! supported him. Its a wonder the guy got anything done. If you haters would have supported him, we could have been out of Iraq 4 years ago.

By Patty

November 14, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

It truely amazes me that so many on this board feel it is okay to crucify Joe. It also amazes me that you feel it was okay for a government official to look into Joe’s information. This is America our government officials do not have the right to invade someones privacy. We as Americans have every right to ask our candidates questions without retaliation. Joe did nothing wrong but ask a question of Obama and for that the man was persecuted, why don’t you understand that is wrong. It concerned me. After what I saw I certainly would not ask a question. I wouldn’t want my personal life all of the media just because I asked a question on policy. This is America we are suppose to be free.

By null

November 14, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Who cares about “Joe”! He got his 15 minutes…the media, public and politicians need to move on from this guy. He is nothing but a laughing stock around the US.

By Wordell

November 14, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

nonna not: Define Facism, Socialism, Communism. You can’t from memory/knowledge… you’ll have to look it up due to your masters WANTING you to pay attention to American Idol, instead of facts, which you obviouly have. Next: Polls rigged by your gadfly media (leftists) would show Bush at a low approval rating. Why then would they show the Congress & Senate at a lower rating of 9%? This is where the real power lies, you idiot…not with The Obamagod. They didn’t report that your Democrat/Socialist masters were held in more contempt than Bush. Control the press (as they do) and you control millions of “nonna not’s”. Nonna not is the same as the German population denying that they knew the Jews were being exterminated. How does one as nonna not live the lies? It’s easier and more convienient than understanding that a level of intelligence is needed when accusing one of facism. nonna not: accuse/accuse/ accuse. Don’t back it up with truth and fact. Have fun in your fog. Wait for the knock on your door in the middle of the night. It’s not a candy gram.

By Dubya

November 14, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Joe doesn’t like socialism - unless he’s collecting the welfare - which he has done not once but twice. Classic!

By nonna not

November 14, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Nonna, Since I never accepted Bush the fascist as our president, I guess you have the right to not accepting Obama. That’s ok. Bush has the lowest approval rating of any other president. What is it? 17%. That’s lower than Nixon during Watergate. Joe the not quite a plumber probably has higher ratings among the republican fascists.

By Nonna

November 14, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Het Anonymous You postedthe following. November 14, 2008 12:24 PM For all you Obama haters, get over it. Obama is my as well as everyone else’s President so accept it and move on. Well, I’m not going to get over it. That Socialist so and so is not and never will be my president.

By mwm

November 14, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Perhaps Joe the Not quite a plumber will team up with Joe sixpack and the wasilla hillbillies for the new country album.

By Big Sauce

November 14, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Joe the Plumber is his own problem. If you don’t want anyone snooping into your private affairs, here’s a hint, STOP TRYING TO MARKET YOURSELF IN THE MEDIA! Seriously, a “Joe the Plumber” country album? This guys is going the Kevin Federline route (only without Britany Spears)

By mwm

November 14, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

As stated, information about an individual is easy to access. Nothing new. And, once an address and phone number are established, one only needs to scour court records on the individual. Some city/county court records are free to look at. Also, military records, employment history and other information can be accessed. Anyone could have researched Joe the whatever he is, and, sent the findings to the media. It’s simple.

By jonas

November 14, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

ecp3886: Talk about dumb.You take the cake. 1 click is sufficient to post. Wait until BO gets going.You think things are bad now. Just WAIT.We will be at war with half of the world and he wants to cut defense. DUMB DUMB DUMB

By ecp3886

November 14, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

On Joe the Plumber. He should be called Joe the Dumber. Eat Crow Joe Dumber. Barack Obama is the best thing to come along since mom’s apple pie. I have confidence in Obama. Anyone is better than insane McCaine and that Dumb broad Payden. I would not vote McCaine or Payden dog catcher if they were running for it. Hooray for Obama…..

By ecp3886

November 14, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

On Joe the Plumber. He should be called Joe the Dumber. Eat Crow Joe Dumber. Barack Obama is the best thing to come along since mom’s apple pie. I have confidence in Obama. Anyone is better than insane McCaine and that Dumb broad Payden. I would not vote McCaine or Payden dog catcher if they were running for it. Hooray for Obama…..

By ecp3886

November 14, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

On Joe the Plumber. He should be called Joe the Dumber. Eat Crow Joe Dumber. Barack Obama is the best thing to come along since mom’s apple pie. I have confidence in Obama. Anyone is better than insane McCaine and that Dumb broad Payden. I would not vote McCaine or Payden dog catcher if they were running for it. Hooray for Obama…..

By ecp3886

November 14, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

On Joe the Plumber. He should be called Joe the Dumber. Eat Crow Joe Dumber. Barack Obama is the best thing to come along since mom’s apple pie. I have confidence in Obama. Anyone is better than insane McCaine and that Dumb broad Payden. I would not vote McCaine or Payden dog catcher if they were running for it. Hooray for Obama…..

By Samuel

November 14, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

mwm: Typically the information you freely find on the internet is already “Public Records” information: Your address, telephone number, how much you paid for your house, Criminal record….. Any of this information can be retrieved by anyone who requests (typically for a paperwork filing fee). Now that its all electronic search aggregator just pull all the information from databases and make it available online for you free. Nothing new there at all, its just easier now. The stuff that is not Public Information is typically retrieved from a Private Investigator, again nothing new…

By CJ

November 14, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Rick, next time you build a house, don’t let a master plumber pull the permits or oversee the job. You’ll never move in because it will smell so bad from lack of ventilation, leaks, drainage issues and a host of other problems. You must be a moron! BTW I am college educated (PHD) and not a plumber!! Joe worked harder on his education than you did!

By mwm

November 14, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Public information is available on the internet. Nobody has privacy anymore. With all the search sites available for free or for a small fee, information can be found about anyone. The concept that a “government agency” should use discretion is ridiculous. Joe the idiot, became a public figure. His statements only fueled the republican hate machine. And, most of what he said was stupid. But, it’s called freedom of speech. And, McCain used this “Joe” to bolster a failing campaign. It failed. Most Americans have nothing in common with Joe the SixPack or Plumber. Or, Tito the Builder or, some broad from Alaska that was chosen just because she’s a woman.

By joe

November 14, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

How about Joe the Dead Beat Dad? Another way keep from making payments.

By Rick

November 14, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

rm sorry, its plumbing… it has nothing to do with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees. That hierarchy is just a farce created to allow unlicensed workers to perform the work of a licensed plumber. When it becomes something more complicated than sticking pipes together and making sure water isn’t leaking then start comparing it to College Degrees.

By Anonymous

November 14, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

For all you Obama haters, get over it. You sure spend a lot of time thinking and talking about him. First of all get his name correct. Stephen, how would you like someone repeatedly calling you Stephanie? Public record is available to anyone who cares enough to search for it and usually has more information than you’d find anywhere else. Obama is my as well as everyone else’s President so accept it and move on.

By Anonymous

November 14, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

For all you Obama haters, get over it. You sure spend a lot of time thinking and talking about him. First of all get his name correct. Stephen, how would you like someone repeatedly calling you Stephanie? Public record is available to anyone who cares enough to search for it and usually has more information than you’d find anywhere else. Obama is my as well as everyone else’s President so accept it and move on.

By Richard

November 14, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

“The legislation will seek to make sure that citizens’ private information is kept only for legitimate government purposes, that there are sound procedures in place to protect the information and real accountability if policies and procedures aren’t followed, Jones said.” So…. what purposes is my information being used for now?? Why is this not already the norm?

By amee

November 14, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

The point is that this woman is an employee of the state of ohio and she did her snooping while on government time using our hard earned tax dollars. In no ohter industry would this be allowed. If she were in the medical or banking field she would have been fired immediatley.

By rm

November 14, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

For those blasting away at Joe, the Obama camp that came to him, They ask him, He spoke his mind, he gets blasted for it. My son is working as a Plumber’s Helper in order to become a plumber. He WORKS under his Boss lic, when he is able, he will test soon, to become a full time plumber. JOE was doing the same. Plumbers have different levels. Not unlike a college with Assoc and Bach and Master and PhD..Plumber-Master Plumber etc etc Check it out before you open your mouth where your foot will fall out.

By amee

November 14, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

The point is that this woman is an employee of the state of ohio and she did her snooping while on government time using our hard earned tax dollars. In no ohter industry would this be allowed. If she were in the medical or banking field she would have been fired immediatley.

By ed

November 14, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

this law would be a waste of time and money. It is already a crime to access someones personal information thru leads and ncic unless there is probable cause to do so!

By Allison

November 14, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Joe the non-Plumber was just another McCain mistake in a long list that includes that idiot Sarah Palin. We see how those choices worked for him.

By TRS

November 14, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Rich - the rule of law is the rule of man. It is created, changed, appealed, upheld and renewed daily. It is difficult to understand why anyone wants to extend citizen rights to Enemy combatants or terrorists. A good number of folks released from Gitmo have been found on the battlefield again seeking to kill Americans. Certainly that is not a good result. All agree there should be a process in place, but they are not US Citizens - they are the enemy trying to kill anyone US citizen in their sites! I read an article the other day where the Obama administration is finding out that dealing with this issue is more difficult than sounding some self righteous campaign promise. I heard as well that they are leaving some of the other clandestine executive orders in place to give them “flexibility”. The issue here isn’t the rules - the issue here is that you trust Obama with that flexibility but you didn’t trust Bush. Bub - you don’t know your facts. Joe (his true middle name which he goes by) was throwing football in the front yard with his kid. Obama was campaigning by canvasing the neighborhood and approached Joe. The rest is history. He is currently pursuing his Master Plumber license and working under the license of his current employer, somthing done every day in that profession. He expressed that he one day hoped to buy the business if all worked out. Thats the one thing great about this country - people can have such dreams and aspirations. All the cannon fodder about Joe was out within 24 hours of the event. That’s like a quick response hit squad, only meant to demean and discredit - to divert attention from something that revealed something about the candidate. Apparently it still is working. It continues to amaze that some direct their venom at Joe, a private citizen, because he asked a logical question and the Senator gave an answer which revealed some of his true thoughts which had never surfaced before. Perhaps you don’t see the danger when a private citizen, asking a valid question, suddenly become cannon fodder? The intent is obvious - to shut him or her up. Such actions reflects a proclivity that some are willing to destroy anyone or anything to surpress their free speech. Be careful about what you wish for - you could be the next target.

By mwm

November 14, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Wordell, it appears as though your email address is linked to Aurora, Illinois.

By cathy

November 14, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Yes, David enough snooping could probably find stuff out about me too. Why was your comment necessary? What have I done to you to anger you so? I am a small business trying to make ends meet. David WHO? Thanks for the advertisement!!!

By cathy

November 14, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Yes, David enough snooping could probably find stuff out about me too. Why was your comment necessary? What have I done to you to anger you so? I am a small business trying to make ends meet. David WHO?

By Wordell

November 14, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Rich…OOOHHHHH…Ha! incredibly offensive? You PC myrmidon! Oh, that’s right. You have a “right” not to be offended, correct? Is the name Barack Hussien Obama offensive? After Osmabama’s buddies attacked us, we needed to find out what they’re up to next. I suppose thousands of more deaths are O.K., and granting “civil rights” to your Islamofacist Obama supporters (endorsed by Al Queda, Hamas prior to election)is O.K. in a time of “war”. Face your accusers!!?? Your tears for known terrorist combatants are amazing!!! Rich, you’re an “enabler”. You watch the carnage go down, desperately side with the causers of the carnage, act as Dr. Phil/Phil Donahue would, and explain away the obvious danger in PC platitudes. The Constitution is a “fixed” document, not a “living” one, to be modified as for political expediency, as your Godobama will do when he appoints new Supreme Court Justices. They will rape and pillage it…not merely pay no attention to it as political hack judges appointed by your other masters…The Clinton’s…have already done. Rich, enjoy your socialist utopia. Your freedom is in question…and you stand on the dias telling us that “Wordell” is misguided. Good work, Rich. You’ve been selected as our next “Manchurian Candidate”.

By Glus

November 14, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Perhaps Helen Jones-Kelley’s background should be made public for all of us to see.

By mwm

November 14, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Try zabasearch then, try the city/county court records/real estate records for the person in question. If more detailed information is needed, there are online investigation services that will provide data. The internet is our buddy!

By Danny

November 14, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Jesus people, it’s an election - one side wins and the other side loses. That’s how it works. In reading all of this Osamabama, Abamamasiah garbage I really have to wonder what is happening to the people of Ohio. It used to be a nice, pleasant place to live - not any more. The whole state seems to have been taken over by neocon nutjobs that are so full of hate that they defy reality!

By Dan

November 14, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

‘Joe the Plumber’ a Republican/McCain stooge. All you people support him and he is laughing all the way to the bank after he signed a Public Relations person to negotiate a record contract in Nashville. What a joke. You all have been duped. Once again let us reward this kind of behavior. No wonder we have the problems that exist in this country.

By David

November 14, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Time to do some checking on Cathy Shepherd whose family owns the Pool Toy Store in Middletown, Ohio.

By Ken

November 14, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

IF the same thing happened to the Obama supporters, they would be making their calls to the ACLU claiming their “PRIVACY” rights had been violated. Nothing like a good ole dose of “double standard” to bring ya back to reality, huh?

By Blah

November 14, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

IRRELEVANT: With the Patriot Act, the gov. can legally spy on ANY citizen. Shannon Jones is just using legislation to try to make a political name for herself.

By mwm

November 14, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

It is a simple process to find information on anyone. With a name and state, one may find out the addresses, phone numbers, employment history, criminal record, credit history and much more. Some information is free, some information costs as little as $50. Of course, the government can find out more detailed information. You know, Orwell, Big brother stuff. Of course, Joe, not his real name, the “plumber” not really a plumber, who had no intention of buying a business and owed back taxes, was in the public eye. If one wants notoriety, then one deserves what they get.

By CONNIE

November 14, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Its not about his info being public records, its that the media and democratic party put in on the air for the whole world to see and discredit him. But Obama couldn’t be question for anything he has done in the past and he is the one that ran for president.

By Typical Brother

November 14, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

All you Osama whos your mama voters suck. You people need to stop sucking off of society and govt.

By Stephen

November 14, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Public record vs privacy? Who cares. The real issue is why the media immediately sought to smear Joe instead of insisting that the Obamasiah address his relevant and tough question. The media vetted Joe far more thoroughly then they did the Obamasiah.

By Bud Norton

November 14, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

I am skeptical that another law is necessary; I would think that the official snooping on Joe was illegal under present privacy laws. As to Bub’s comment that Joe was a plant: the Republicans of course knew that Obama would campaign on that particular street, on that particular day, that Joe could approach him, that Obama would speak to him, and that The One would blurt out a stupid answer, without which there would have been no controversy. Now that is what I call brilliant planning.

By bub

November 14, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

It’s called PUBLIC RECORD! You can find all kinds of information on your friends, enemies, co-workers, etc. and it doesn’t require anything more than their name. Go ahead, try it, go to Montgomery County Records online and you can check on your friends! When will people realize that this guy was a “plant” by the McCain campaign? He deserved a high level of scrutiny, particular once he was taken on tour as a spokesman—or morality play character. What a failure. The funny thing is, the “right” showed their colors during the campaign and are continuing now that they have lost. Fear, Ignorance, and Prejudice - we are the new republicans! Good riddance.

By JB

November 14, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

To all, based on comments posted, whether you are in public view or not, should allow the state or media to drum up any information and make it public about you, your family, your friends anytime anywhere is basically what you are saying. It’s wrong period, Joe did not willingly choose to be in the limelight rather he was thrust into it by the media covering his comments that were direct to presidential candidates on his concerns regarding plocies that separated the candidates. Unless you have broken a state or federal law, and unles it is public information that is already available, should not allow state officials to ruin your crediability just because a person disagrees with a view. We do have privacy laws that should be inforced unless your a threat to yourself or someone else. Get real people, next thing you know there willbe cameras in your house, bedroom, and your place of employment so the piblic can watch everything you do

By snooper

November 14, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Ill snoop at whomever I want to.

By Rich

November 14, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Utterly amazing to read comments like “Wordell” just posted. Where have people been for years? The Bush administration has done its level best to wipe out habeas corpus, bars to indefinite detention, the right to face your accusers, and various other aspects of the rule of law — all in a vain pursuit of “perfect security”. A huge portion of Obama’s vote came from those who dearly want the rule of law (not of men), and a return to time-honored constitutional principles. You’re misguided, “Wordell”, if you think Democrats in general, or Obama in particular, want to go FURTHER down the road blazed by Bush/Cheney. (No further comment is needed on your incredibly offensive “Osamabama” slur.)

By Mikey F Baby

November 14, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Joe the Plumber worked under the license of his boss. It’s funny, the first people to jump on here with comments are usually the least informed.

By VietVet

November 14, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

If Joe The Plummer agreed to play the game to reap the publicity from supporting the McCain campaign, then he should be man enough to endure the consequences. Celebrity status doesn’t come without a price and the price is to give up your privacy.We don’t need a law to protect people like this.This legislation will prevent people from knowing the validity of a candidate’s supporters. Voters have a right to know the character of the people that politicians use for their endorsements.This legislation could protect some scumbags personal life from public view.

By Wordell

November 14, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

The cliche’ statement “Big Brother” makes it sound like a benevolent relative is snooping on us. The idea that legislation is needed to protect you from Gov’t spying/investigation means we have already lost!!!! Osamabama wants an “Internal Security Force” developed during his reign as “Central Committee Chairman”. I’m sure he’ll provide a non threatening name for it so all of us will believe he’s not after political adversaries, and he’s really a benevolent dictator on our side. KGB/STASI/NVD/GESTAPO ect. have all been taken. I’m sure he’ll come up with a non threatening benign name for his “Secret Police”. Enjoy what’s left of this Republic. Don’t protest/object when you finally figure out what they’re up to. Self defense will no longer be allowed in the near future. Fight them with clubs and pitchforks, peasant.

By mwm

November 14, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

You mean Joe, whose name is not Joe, who really is not a plumber, who was not buying a business, who owed back taxes. Oh yes, that guy, the fake. Didn’t work well for McCain, did it?

By Jason

November 14, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

What about the rights for all of the people that he did work for and is not even a licensed plumber? get over the defeat Shannon Jones and work on some real issues.

By Teacher

November 14, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Shannon Jones is a terrific State Representative and I’m glad to know that she is taking on these violation dogs.

By nevermind

November 14, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

It shouldn’t take legislation to deal with what is clearly a very serious ethical lapse on the part of Ms. Jones-Kelly. It also shows how cavalier government officials of all stripes are when they think nobody’s watching.

By Dave

November 14, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

What would this new law accomplish beyond what existing laws cover? I can’t see from this brief article whether Jones is improving our privacy or just trying to make headlines.

By cathy

November 14, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Just about every one has something that can be found if people snoop long enough. The issue here is the right to privacy about a person’s life. “Joe” was crucified before the public for things he new about and the public had no right to know about. People, get ready, you elected him not me.

By Dan

November 14, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

MS. JONES-KELLY clearly violated the law. She should be fired. Period!