Joe the Plumber's latest gig? Pimping the "Fair Tax," A.K.A. "National Sales Tax" [View All]

[Amerigo Vespucci]

'Joe the Plumber' speaks in favor of the consumption tax
Sunday, June 14, 2009 | 12:01 a.m. CDT



http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2009/06/14/joe-plummer-comes-boone-county/

Wurzelbacher came to Boone County more than eight months removed from the peak of his fame when he made national news and became John McCain’s symbol for the common man, challenging Barack Obama’s tax policy.

Still, his celebrity status got him an invitation to speak on behalf of "fair tax," a concept of replacing the federal income tax with a national sales tax, or consumption tax. John Putnam, co-director of the state's FairTax advocacy group and an organizer of the rally, said that Wurzelbacher was contacted to speak at the rally and to drum up support with his celebrity status.

He said the consumption tax is an important piece of representation for the "average man." He has used his celebrity status to draw crowds to similar events and conservative "tea parties," hoping grass-roots movements can sway people to action.

“Once you understand FairTax, it’s the only thing that makes sense," he said. “Anything to do with grass roots — that’s the only way anything’s getting done.”