‘Joe the Plumber’ Mulling Run for Congress

Joe Wurzelbacher, a.k.a. “Joe the Plumber,” said Friday he may consider running for Congress in 2010, challenging longtime Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D) in the Toledo-area district.

“I’ll tell you what, we’d definitely be in one heck of a fight,” Wurzelbacher said during an appearance on the Laura Ingraham show Friday, “but, you know, I’d be up for it.”

“There is a movement afoot to draft you to run for Congress,” Ingraham said. “Joe, let me tell you something: you decide to run for Congress, and I’ll help you with your PR, I’ll help you do your ads, I mean, I’ll volunteer to help you.”

Ingraham’s producer, Brad Feldman, said that during the break after the segment, Wurzelbacher told Ingraham that his statements today represent the first time he has acknowledged considering a bid for Congress in public.

Wurzelbacher said he did agree with Kaptur’s vote against the bailout, and touted his support for a flat tax on income.

A Springfield, Ohio native, Wurzelbacher became a target of fame and scrutiny after Republican candidate John Mccain referenced the plumber during his third presidential debate against Barack Obama. Wurzelbacher confronted Obama during a campaign spot in northwest Ohio preceding the debate to ask Obama about his tax plan.

Supporters launched a website following Wurzelbacher’s rise to prominence encouraging him to run for the seat.

Kaptur has represented Ohio’s 9th congressional district since being elected in 1982, and has easily secured reelection in years since. She is expected to easily defeat Republican opponent Bradley Leavitt next month.

Listen to a clip of Wurzelbacher’s appearance in which he discusses a potential bid below.