Re:  "Nation's Most Famous Plumber Endorses McCain"

In the Campaign Notebook item about the endorsement of Joe "The Plumber" Wurzelbacher's endorsement of John McCain for President, the reporter claims that Wurzelbacher "likely would fare better under Sen. Obama's plan".  This takes only the narrowest view of Mr. Wurzelbacher's self-interest, however; while he may make less than $250,000, and therefore would ostensibly be out of reach of Sen. Obama's planned income tax increases, his employer likely is not, and an increased tax burden on Joe's employer would leave less money for an increase in salary or benefits for Joe and his colleagues; it could perhaps even result in the loss of Joe's job.  The analysis also doesn't take into account Joe's retirement or pension investments, as Obama's plan is to raise taxes on capital gains, interest, and dividends as well as income.  And, of course, while he may currently make less than $250,000 annually, Mr. Wurzelbacher may have plans to move up in income levels during his working life, as millions of people do.  Looking only at Mr. Wurzelbacher's current income situation does not provide the total picture of what tax plan is more beneficial for him and other middle class workers.

Sincerely,
Dave Smith