JOE THE CELEBRITY

Joe Wurzelbacher seized the media spotlight in fall 2008 and never really let it go.

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Wurzelbacher was caught on video challenging Obama on the question of the redistribution of wealth at an Ohio campaign stop. The McCain campaign turned the bald Ohioan into an icon of the small businessman: “Joe the Plumber.”

But Wurzelbacher no longer fixes pipes. He quit his job at a plumbing contractor’s business shortly after the election — he said he and his boss had a “long talk” and decided it would be “best for the company” if he moved on.

“Unfortunately, [the media attention] became a liability — if someone disagreed with my politics, all they had to do is make one false accusation,” he said. “Not that this ever happened, but having some forethought … my boss and I had a long talk.”

Today, he’s a full-time celebrity. Wurzelbacher has volunteered with veterans groups, worked for long-shot presidential candidate Herman Cain, and even written a book called “Fighting for the American Dream,” which according to Nielsen figures sold only about 500 copies.

“I’m still the same guy, I don’t get caught up in the media, don’t get caught up in the celebrity status,” he said. He’s also been involved in politics on the local level — he was elected to his local Republican committee in Ohio — and is involved in community service.

As for his activities during this presidential cycle, Wurzelbacher said he has “a great deal of respect for Herman [Cain]. “I like him a great deal, and I pray he does well.”

Wurzelbacher received $10,000 in compensation for participating in campaign events with Cain, according to Federal Election Commission reports filed last month.

Wurzelbacher, who weathered questions about his campaign image — he would actually have benefited from Obama’s tax program — was left with a distrust of the media.

“Never trust the media,” he said. “The media will make its own story, and just sit there and say what they want all by themselves.”

“There’s a lot of people out there who will use you for their own gain, so you’ve got to stand firm and know what you’re about,” he said. “Always do what’s right, never compromise your integrity.”