Meeting Joe the Plumber: Joe Rallies in Springfield, Missouri for Allen Icet

Joe the Plumber was in Springfield, Missouri, making an appearance at an Allen Icet campaign rally. The good people at the Icet campaign invited me to the rally, and I was in for a treat.

When the event was announced about a month ago, I accused the campaign and Joe the Plumber of astroturf. Nothing could have been farther from the truth. Joe the Plumber has become one heck of a motivational speaker for the average man celebrating liberty and freedom--hoping you will take charge of what the founding fathers gave to us and protect in by participating in the American process.

His speech wasn't about supporting Republicans and it wasn't about supporting Democrats. It was about being American and supporting the people who will go to Washington and work within the framework of the founding fathers. He loves liberty like I love liberty. He said more Americans need to stand up against politicians who don't have our best interest. I guess that makes me a Joe the Plumber of the Ozarks as I battle against the Billy Long campaign for Congress--something I joked with him about after his speech.

You know what, Joe went even further and delivered a message about God and family. He shared how he dealt with the attacks against him--something I will remember forever. He doesn't care what is said about him. He only cares what his wife and family think of him at the end of the day. I needed this message, and I owe Joe the deepest of gratitude to sharing this personal belief.

Joe the Plumber is the real deal. What you see is what you get. He didn't show up in a suit or tie and try to put on a show. It was blue jeans, work boots, and an untucked shirt. I have to say, it was one of the great pleasures of this campaign to shake hands with Joe the Plumber.

By the way, Allen Icet is a man Missouri can trust as its state auditor.