Googling Joe the Plumber

First published at WashingtonTimes.com

Joe the Plumber came up in tonight's debate at least 23 times.

So naturally, reporters who haven't already attempted to track down Joe Wurzelbacher were doing so right at 10:30. Here's what popped up on a Google search for the Ohio man's name: sponsored links from the McCain campaign and RNC.

A "Joe the Plumber" search brings up McCain, RNC and union SEIU links.

I think this Joe the Plumber might be making some good money in the coming days.

I noted earlier the Republicans also have bought sponsored Google links for a search on ACORN. A quick spot check shows the RNC's "Barack Book" comes up in a Google search for Obama Ayers.

Even more interesting, a search for "Obama muslim" (keying off false email rumors - he is Christian) finds both the RNC and McCain have sponsored links.

Here's a larger image:

UPDATE, 11:30 P.M.: A half-hour later, Joe the Plumber's worth has increased - among travel agents and yellow page ads - and Obama has also bought his name.

Also worth noting, the more searched a term is on Google, the more expensive it is to buy these ads. So I wonder if McCain will be quickly priced out?

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter,

The Washington Times

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