Joe the Plumber may sue Ohio officials for breach of privacy in records search
posted at 7:08 pm on October 28, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Via Ace, note the plural in the headline. People don’t realize, I think, that we’re talking about three separate searches by three different state agencies: Toledo P.D., Cuyahoga County DSS, and an outside contractor with access to the Attorney General’s test account. This isn’t a case of some halfwit clerk somewhere calling up his records on a lark, in other words. It’s a triple play.
But DSS, which came from the top on orders from an Obama donor, is of course the big one.
“When I first found out, I was pretty angry and I still am,” Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher said today in Columbus during his first campaign appearance on behalf of Republican presidential nominee John McCain…
“It bothers me greatly,” Wurzelbacher said as he joined former Republican Congressman Rob Portman and small-business owners on a bus tour to back McCain and attack Obama’s tax policies…
[DSS] Director Helen Jones-Kelley said that after a “team meeting,” she OK’d the check because the department often runs inquiries to check for unpaid child support when people are thrust into “the public spotlight.”…
Calling her reason for checking on Wurzelbacher meritless, State Rep. William G. Batchelder, R-Medina, today called on Strickland to place Jones-Kelley on leave until the investigation is complete.
“No Ohioan should be subject to a ‘witch hunt’ on the whim of a public official,” said Batchelder . He said that by Jones-Kelley’s standard, “the mere appearance of one’s name in the newspaper would warrant ‘taking a look.’”
The PD employee’s already been charged with gross misconduct; according to the Dispatch story, she was doing a favor for a reporter who wanted Wurzelbacher’s address.
What conceivable reason could he have for not suing? He’s appropriately “bothered” by the intrusion. His privacy’s already shot to hell so he has nothing to lose from extra media coverage. The legal fees won’t cost a dime: Surely the RNC would pay for a lawyer or 20 to staff the case, which will be worth the expense in PR value even if he doesn’t win. And if he does win, so much the better. Thanks to the press digging up the fact that he doesn’t have a plumber’s license, his career’s in limbo at the moment. Push forward, get a settlement, and enjoy a few years of financial security courtesy of the state of Ohio. What am I missing here?
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OH PLEASE JOE!!!!….SURE!SUE!SUE!SUE!SUE!SUE!SUE!
christene on October 28, 2008 at 7:11 PM
He BETTER friggin’ sue ‘em. The intimidation and thuggery on the Left knows no bounds. They need to be held accountable every single time they pull this BS.
bambam on October 28, 2008 at 7:11 PM
I hope he does sue them. They need to taught a lesson.
Terrye on October 28, 2008 at 7:12 PM
SUE BABY SUE!
Make these bastards pay!
Iblis on October 28, 2008 at 7:12 PM
GO JOE
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 28, 2008 at 7:12 PM
Sue, baby, sue.
BadgerHawk on October 28, 2008 at 7:12 PM
YES!
Use the power that Obama wields to silence dissent right back against the bastard.
MadisonConservative on October 28, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Trial Lawyers about to jump the Dem ship…
BKennedy on October 28, 2008 at 7:15 PM
You’re not missing anything. If the RNC had half a collective brain, which is in serious doubt as of late, they’d take this and run it fast and hard.
As for Joe, he should be pretty well off when this whole thing is over. But the RNC HAS to run with this. Quickly. The payoff could be enormous.
Or is it just me?
wccawa on October 28, 2008 at 7:15 PM
SUE LOUDLY
kurtzz3 on October 28, 2008 at 7:15 PM
Let us know where to donate to help pay for the legal fees!!!!
jed58 on October 28, 2008 at 7:16 PM
Sue!! then Obama can tax the hell out of you!
bloghooligan on October 28, 2008 at 7:17 PM
Sue her. Sue the clothes off her back and the food out of her mouth. Sue that chick’s ass so hard her grandkids feel it.
Lehosh on October 28, 2008 at 7:17 PM
Seconded!!
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 28, 2008 at 7:18 PM
I’m sure the ACLU would jump at the chance to work on this case which, to this layman at least, appears to clearly involve an American’s Civil Liberties (right to privacy) being violated.
Oh, wait, I forgot, he’s Republican. Never mind.
malclave on October 28, 2008 at 7:19 PM
AP:
What you may be missing is that a lot of regular folks just don’t like the thought of initiating a lawsuit.
Either that, or his attorneys are gathering evidence in order to launch a “shock and awe” filing.
We shall see.
SWLiP on October 28, 2008 at 7:19 PM
sue them in civil court and push them to press criminal charges.
theguardianii on October 28, 2008 at 7:19 PM
Let us know where to donate to help pay for the legal fees!!!!
jed58 on October 28, 2008 at 7:16 PM
DITTOS
InTheBellyoftheBeast on October 28, 2008 at 7:20 PM
Errrrr…what’s the hold up? Sue the relaxer out of her hair!
SouthernGent on October 28, 2008 at 7:21 PM
Damn straight…………. these people hold us in contempt and think they can do anything because they have been getting away with it for so long.
…………….. time for some PAYBACK, and maybe some jail time to boot, in order to send a message that this country still has laws, even if you are a Democrat!
Seven Percent Solution on October 28, 2008 at 7:21 PM
Damages are not taxable. Yet.
IrishEi on October 28, 2008 at 7:22 PM
I think he has to sue and the RNC has to back him. Otherwise, the democrats are going to keep on doing it. Those idiots really don’t see anything wrong in this.
It should not only be a civil suit but I believe the DSS obama lover is also guilty of criminal charges.
Blake on October 28, 2008 at 7:22 PM
With The Sarah Palin effigy swinging away out in Hollywood California and this plumb dropped in the Republicans lap I don’t get why they are not running these two things 24/7
Joe Biden’s Violence Against Women Act…I guess Sarah Palin can forget about that covering her huh? (The Muslim treatment, women don’t have rights) A hanging effigy of a Sitting Woman Governor, doesn’t make Joe Biden go hmmm that’s not good? He wrote the Legislation against this treatment of women..John McCain’s people could be making real hay out of this…why aren’t they? IT isn’t like they don’t have PUMA out there watching this behavior and remembering.
Joe the Plumber could be a poster boy for What a Socialist State looks like (Snapshot) the way he has been treated.
Dr Evil on October 28, 2008 at 7:23 PM
Don’t forget, these people are the same ones that were hollerin “Abuse of power” for troopergate. This is so Big brother and need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Not quite as bad as the Clinton’s FBI files but close.
Corsair on October 28, 2008 at 7:23 PM
I love the irony – every time the libs violate our privacy, we MUST sue. It is straight out of THEIR playbook. Remember, it is not the “nature of the evidence (which is strong in this case), but the seriousness of the charge!” Throw it back in their faces.
InTheBellyoftheBeast on October 28, 2008 at 7:24 PM
G*ddamn right he should sue.
He’ll win.
Then he can expand his business.
THE AMERICAN DREAM COME TRUE
Dave Rywall on October 28, 2008 at 7:25 PM
Worth the read,..all
43,..44!http://newzeal.blogspot.com/
christene on October 28, 2008 at 7:25 PM
Hey, Allahpundit, you’re a lawyer, why not file the case for him?
……… the case could be advertised through Hot Air, i.e.
……………..advertising revenue!
Seven Percent Solution on October 28, 2008 at 7:26 PM
Wait a minute. I thought y’all were supposed to be against all these frivolous lawsuits.
Hmmm… maybe he could John Edwards to represent him.
‘Joe’ is gonna make a buck off this thing one way or the other, isn’t he?
Len on October 28, 2008 at 7:27 PM
And understandably so. But when your cause is just and you have a fleet of lawyers willing to work for free?
Allahpundit on October 28, 2008 at 7:27 PM
Screw the civil crap. Why isn’t she in prison?
Ronnie on October 28, 2008 at 7:27 PM
One person’s already been charged with gross misconduct and the inspector general’s investigating DSS. Define “frivolous.”
Allahpundit on October 28, 2008 at 7:28 PM
Sue the snot out of them. Against the agencies and those who actually did it as individuals, surely you have to log into some sort of network to look at such information, and therefore you can pin point exactly who did it.
Hog Wild on October 28, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Both. He’s waiting until McCain wins and the rioting dies down.
ManlyRash on October 28, 2008 at 7:29 PM
A no brainer. Frightening.
I think we were just in dumbfounded denial when it happened, and that it could even happen.
Now, it is furious. “Make my day”. Sue.
Starlink on October 28, 2008 at 7:29 PM
First he should file complaints with all relevant agencies including the DOJ to determine any criminal acts shooting for a violation of his 4th amendment rights and civil rights. Then let them investigate and piggy back on their data for his suit.
Understand if someone is convicted of a crime the civil suit is assured to be a winner because the courts have already decided..
The fact one person is already in deep dooh with the Toledo PD will make that one a slam dunk…
As to the others.. he’d be well served to file against her as an individual, the employee who processed the request, the agency and the governor..to set precedents for other state employees who feel like straying off the reservation.
theblacksheepwasright on October 28, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Sue the bastards, take some time off after a hefty settlement and run for office, Joe!!
Cody1991 on October 28, 2008 at 7:31 PM
They had a meeting. It’s conspiracy. Arrest them.
Ronnie on October 28, 2008 at 7:32 PM
What am I missing here?
his son. He is a single dad. If he sue his 11 year old will be attacked by the press, and by obama supporters children. etc
unseen on October 28, 2008 at 7:32 PM
I seriously hope he gets his day in court if his civil rights were violated.
mycowardice on October 28, 2008 at 7:32 PM
I guess only a Bush intrusion into Joe’s life would bring out the hypocritical ACLU.
Rovin on October 28, 2008 at 7:33 PM
Sue. Get your cash and buy that plumbing business. Good
luck Mr. Joe.
gary on October 28, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Don’t accept their settlement offers. Make them be embarrassed in court and lose big.
Right_of_Attila on October 28, 2008 at 7:36 PM
SCALP THE SUCKERS!
SIOUX!
profitsbeard on October 28, 2008 at 7:36 PM
If I were McCain.. or a 527 I’d take this situation, the blanket emails to prevent the radio station from hosting the person with the Obama book, the Missouri truth squads,
the get in their faces comment by Bambi and all other similar situations .. advising voters if this happens before he’s elected… imagine the damage to your rights if you dare speak out…
Close w/ Martin Niemöller’s infamous quote about not speaking up..
In fact I’ll put up a $1000 to help launch such an ad…
theblacksheepwasright on October 28, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Is that a threat?
Ronnie on October 28, 2008 at 7:37 PM
Privacy Act of 1974. Federal law violation.
Not to mention, that private information was obviously freely and rapidly leaked to the press.
13Girl on October 28, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Do it Joe, I’ll send some bucks..
Wade on October 28, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Sue Joe. Sue until they are on their knees and beg you to stop and then sue some more.
djohn669 on October 28, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Ah, just like the good old days – from my mouth to AP’s keyboard.
Jaibones on October 28, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Allah, this is the first time you and I have TOTALLY agreed!
I hope Joe gets some serious damage money out of Toledo. Which he can start his business (if he wants too) and move ON with his life. And better yet, MOVE OUT of Ohio, if he has some sense.
Lets hope.
upinak on October 28, 2008 at 7:40 PM
He needs to sue because the government will not do a damned thing.
Wade on October 28, 2008 at 7:40 PM
Kick some asses Joe!
toliver on October 28, 2008 at 7:40 PM
Where is Mom? Does she have a job? Is she living off Child Support?
It can go both ways.
upinak on October 28, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Sue for $249,999.00 per year for the rest of your life…LOL
rich801 on October 28, 2008 at 7:42 PM
Excellent.
And then he can start a new business and hope not to be taxed to death by obama if he’s elected. I’ve got a suggestion Joe – with the winnings, fund your bid to run for congress. Make this lawsuit your first act in cleaning up the corrupt politicians and government workers who are corrupt and flagrantly disregard the law that they swore to uphold so they can’t invade anyone else’s privacy.
Sound like a plan?
wise_man on October 28, 2008 at 7:42 PM
Um…. HELLO…. Did anybody but me catch that part about an outside contractor having access to the same stuff the Attorney General can access because a “test account” was never disabled? That isn’t a “state agency” search but a private citizen with access to private information gathered by the state with the implicit understanding that they have to protect it from disclosure.
My guess. Joe has the lawyers pounding down his doors this evening.
highhopes on October 28, 2008 at 7:45 PM
When a woman won a $70 million lawsuit against McDonalds over a hot cup of coffee, frivolous lawsuits since then became a target for the Right. John Edwards pushed it forward. While this case is NOT frivolous, Joe may have something called “integrity” and thus doesn’t have the knee-jerk reaction of suing just because something happened. I’d hold no fault to him if he did sue, but I wouldn’t be bothered if he didn’t. I would prefer he did because it keeps the issue in the spotlight, but it is his personal life on the line.
hadsil on October 28, 2008 at 7:45 PM
The only problem with litigation is these democrat ratbastards are most likely covered by publicly funded malpractice insurance, and no skin will be taken from their backsides.
bloviator on October 28, 2008 at 7:47 PM
I hope he hires the most obnoxious, camera hound liberal lawyer he can find. One that actually cares about civil liberties and abuses of power and I hope that lawyer makes their lives a living hell.
TheBigOldDog on October 28, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Priceless,and Joe,set an example!
Ya know,the Libtard loony moonbats were accusing President
Bush of spying on average Americans!
And yet,’The Great Scrutinizer’,Big Brother Hopey/Changey’s
Obama bots are all in position’s that are doin the spying!
This is only the beginning!
And heres the most scary part of all,other than Joe,who
else in governmemt positions who back Obama are spying
on Americans,
and,
how many other Americans are being watched!
Me thinks,Liberals have already erected the Berlin(American)
wall!!!!!!!!!!!!!
canopfor on October 28, 2008 at 7:48 PM
I’m sure hadsil that the people who violated Joe the plumber’s privacy took an oath not to abuse their ability to spy on citizens. All they have to do is quote the document they signed or the laws of behavior, and then present his evidence and all that’s left is for the judge to render the verdict of guilty.
Unless of course the judge is an Obama supporter. At that point, it might be Joe the Plumber who is the one facing jail time for being the victim.
wise_man on October 28, 2008 at 7:48 PM
He isn’t sueing the individuals, he is sueing the agnecies in which gave out the information.
upinak on October 28, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Do you think that the ACLU will take his case for free, and their lawyers will argue on behalf of Joe the Plumber?
……….. Nahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
wise_man on October 28, 2008 at 7:49 PM
But NOT to Alaska. I hear the internet there really, really SUCKS.
ManlyRash on October 28, 2008 at 7:50 PM
How is any of that your or my business. If anything you make the case that Ohio needs to pay big for this random fishing expedition caused by the fact that an honest question was asked to a dishonest politician and captured on film (or whatever you call digital media). Think about it, the ascendency of Joe the Plumber and all this invasion of privacy occurred simply because Joe asked a real question. As a result his privacy has been invaded by at least two state organizations and a private contractor- all looking for dirt to discredit the guy that asked the honest question.
WE SHOULD ALL BE OUTRAGED OVER THIS.
highhopes on October 28, 2008 at 7:50 PM
GO JOE GO!!!
If this is not what the BOR’s negative rights protects, I do not know what is.
Scratch an Obama supporter, find a fascist.
jukin on October 28, 2008 at 7:50 PM
Caribou keep eating out Sat dish.
upinak on October 28, 2008 at 7:51 PM
We are. But only Joe can act. I suspect he’s laying low for now.
ManlyRash on October 28, 2008 at 7:51 PM
an Alleged Canadian opines about something he does not appreciate, comprehend or respect
Every time you make one of your snarky, insulting, and ignorant posts you make yourself smaller and smaller, Drywall. Tell us, Alleged Canadian, what is the Candadian Dream?
Janos Hunyadi on October 28, 2008 at 7:52 PM
I’m working on that outline. And you just gave me another idea for a misadventure.
ManlyRash on October 28, 2008 at 7:52 PM
Because the thought of maybe his Son’s Mama, might want some of the play?
upinak on October 28, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Tonight… in 7 minutes I have been at work over 12 hours. I am pooped.
upinak on October 28, 2008 at 7:54 PM
Maybe we should look that word up before we throw it out there??? hmmmm??
He should sue just to get these people fired…to me, THAT would be priceless….
BigWyo on October 28, 2008 at 7:54 PM
As opposed to the Canadian dream: a chance to have heart surgery BEFORE the patient actually dies.
ManlyRash on October 28, 2008 at 7:54 PM
Actually upinak, the suit will name both and all partys involved, then the lawyers wait to see who cares to opt out of the process, by settlement or shared culpability.
Rovin on October 28, 2008 at 7:55 PM
You’ll be able to relax a little more after the book hits the best seller list.
ManlyRash on October 28, 2008 at 7:55 PM
Well, well, well. Helen Jones-Kelley: welcome to being “thrust into the public spotlight.” I hope you enjoy the attention.
People like you are the ones driving the wedge into our country. Obama may be a uniter, amny of his followers are racist, divisive turds.
Enjoy your fifteen minutes you vindictive witch.
cannonball on October 28, 2008 at 7:55 PM
I’m working on that outline. And you just gave me another idea for a misadventure.
ManlyRash on October 28, 2008 at 7:52 PM
Like you need another…lol
kareyk on October 28, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Rovin when you sue a Government Agency… you HAVE to put all names on that Agency due to some weird stipulation concerning individuals in play. Even if some of them aren’t in play.
It is like making sure they have their bases covered.
upinak on October 28, 2008 at 7:58 PM
Joe, Sue the pants off of them!! Don’t let them get by with this. This was nothing but intimidation. And BO’S way of saying he thinks he has power. Bring em down JOE! Bring em Down. Then the next photo we see of that bi**h, she won’t be smiling!
sheebe on October 28, 2008 at 7:59 PM
As to government agencies covering the cost of lawsuits.
My brother works for the Feds… if he is sued he has to cover the costs then petition for reimbursement… and they only way they’ll approve is if he is found innocent..
The same could be true for Ohio and it’s government employees…
theblacksheepwasright on October 28, 2008 at 7:59 PM
I understand that, my point (rather poorly made) is Joe can sue the agencies and name the individuals as defendants, obtain a settlement and no guilty individuals will suffer a financial loss, other than the taxpayers and/or the insurance company(s), depending on how the agencies are insured – privately or self-insured.
bloviator on October 28, 2008 at 8:01 PM
Caribou keep eating out Sat dish.
upinak on Oct 28,2008 at 7:51PM.
upinak: Are you sure,the Caribou isn’t pee’ing
on said Sat dish,butta boom,butta bing!haha:)
canopfor on October 28, 2008 at 8:01 PM
wise_man on October 28, 2008 at 7:49 PM
To heck with the ACLU, I want some media whore, like a Gloria Allred type who is going to gone on show after show and hold press conference after press conference and make their lives a living hell….
TheBigOldDog on October 28, 2008 at 8:02 PM
Nice Solo cups.
ManlyRash on October 28, 2008 at 8:02 PM
It would be better to go after the agencies then go after the individuals. easier to weed out the problems.
Most State Angencies are …. private, via the tax payer.
upinak on October 28, 2008 at 8:03 PM
outta here….
upinak on October 28, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Sue, Joe, Sue!
What we have now is all out war. If we hope to survive, we best learn how to use the courts at least as effectively as the left.
Does Joe have more sense than the normal plumber, or are most plumbers as smart as Joe?
petefrt on October 28, 2008 at 8:04 PM
Gotta love Google. I’m sure the press has access to tools us mere citizens can’t get to.
cannonball on October 28, 2008 at 8:04 PM
HEH!!
So has Mr. Potato Head taken a new bet yet?? I think the last one you had on the table was the loser is gone from HA forever.
A perfect November 5th:
Obama- Gone!
Murtha- Gone!
Franken- Gone!
Petulant, Unhinged, Blathering Canadian DoucheBag- Gone!!
BigWyo on October 28, 2008 at 8:04 PM
Call John Edwards, he’s between girl friends looking for something to do.
try again later on October 28, 2008 at 8:05 PM
BINGO! Gloria Allread would have her face on every station every night. She is perfect. Joe the Plumber and Gloria the Facetime.
Wade on October 28, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Culture of Corruption.
Sue them jointly, severally, their agencies and their persons. Include a bunch of “John Doe” defendants, to wit: Every person who accessed this information, who contributed to the climate in which it is considered OK to access it, who leaked information to the press, and maybe the press agencies who publicized it while you’re at it.
Sue them all, and let God sort them out.
The Monster on October 28, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Trailboss got suckered in last night. He’ll be gone after 12 noon on November 5. Still waiting for Roger to take the bait.
ManlyRash on October 28, 2008 at 8:07 PM
You’re one of those man-hating divorced women, aren’t you? The type who decide that the father, no matter the circumstances, is a criminal that needs to be dehumanized by a system filled with man-hating social workers whose entire mandate is to screw anything with a penis in the most demeaning way possible and then declare it is all for the children.
There’s a special place in hell for people like you.
highhopes on October 28, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Damn, I’d trade places with him. They can air my dirty laundry for a 6 to 7 figure amount.
Tim Burton on October 28, 2008 at 8:08 PM
Ya, if I were Joe I wouldn’t care about money. I’d want payback X 1,000. I’d want every one of them fired. I’d want new laws passed making illegal access a felony punishable by 10 years in jail, etc., etc.
TheBigOldDog on October 28, 2008 at 8:10 PM
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