Since "Joe the Plumber" became a symbol of the current economic crisis, "Joes" across Georgia have reached out to McCain-Palin 2008 to share their stories and voice their concerns about Senator Obama's plan to "spread the wealth." Georgia "Joes" can contact the campaign via e-mail at GAJoethePlumber@JohnMcCain.com or through the "Joe the Plumber" Hotline at 678-245-4405.

Cece Easter, Bell Chambre, Atlanta: "I should not take from someone else in order to have myself. It should be my choice to give to others based upon my value system, not Senator Obama's. I think that is patriotic. Remember the old saying, 'Charity begins at home?' Well, it certainly doesn't begin in Washington, D.C."

Stephanie & Patrick Ely, Integrity Landscape Group and Picture Perfect Lawn Care, Inc., Alpharetta: "We were outraged that Senator Obama thinks all small businesses make less than $250,000. That is ridiculous. You couldn't even afford to have a staff if that was true."

Jessica Gullet, Permanent Ink, Dallas: "What's fair is to allow hard-working business owners to keep the money they earn and decide for themselves how to spend it. What's fair is to utilize some of the money I earn to provide work to unemployed Americans who have a sincere desire to provide for their families rather than to depend on government handouts."

Melissa Hulsey, Ashton Staffing, Kennesaw: "If Obama's tax plan goes through it will no doubt hurt me, however, the real victims will be the wonderful people that I employ and the organizations that I give to. It is insane to think that big government can spend my hard-earned money better than me."

Misty James, Humble Hands Cleaning, Acworth: "I worked hard to start and keep my business afloat, and I do not want to give my hard-earned money to someone who did not. I started it from scratch, so why should I be forced to 'spread my wealth' with someone who didn't have the ambition to do it themselves?"

Jonathan Jewett, Dynamic Chiropractic, Savannah: "With this tax plan, I am looking at regressing back to where I was two to three years ago, and I'll have to face the stress, challenges, and struggle of barely being able to pay my bills again. Who knows, maybe I will become one of those people who Senator Obama wants to 'spread the wealth' to, because his tax plan is going to put my business in serious jeopardy."

Pam & Paul Jones, Barn Raising Antiques, Rutledge: "Had Senator Obama ever worked hard in a small business as we have, surviving the many setbacks that come with owning a business, he might think differently about so casually telling 'Joe the Plumber' he wants to share his wealth. Had Senator Obama ever been through hard times owning a small business, he might realize why we and 'Joe the Plumber' think it extremely unfair to take the money we have worked so hard for and 'spread the wealth' around to whomever he thinks is most deserving."

Tony McWhorter, Nor-Ral Plastics Inc., Canton: "As many small business owners can tell you, running a business is tough, even in the best of times. If Senator Obama raises taxes, I am afraid the future of my company is at stake."

Joyce Savage, Memories Gift baskets & More, Canton: "Simply put, I will not start a new business, provide employment, and support growth in my community and state if I have to give most of my profits to the federal government. I'm sure most small business owners feel the same way I do. If we all stop or at least hold back on building our business, how will that help our economy recover?"

Barry Schmidt, Barry S. Schmidt, Inc., Grayson: "Why would we want to earn above the $250,000 mark if our earnings are going to be 'shared' with those who haven't earned it? We would rather share it with our employees who have helped earn it. If this wealth redistribution policy were put into effect, we would have to lay off employees, we would not be able to make the payments on our equipment, and we could possibly go out of business."

Earl Scott, Premier Environmental Services, Marietta: "If my taxes go up, I can tell you that it will adversely impact my ability to create jobs. I recently closed our operations in California because the high cost of taxes, fees and regulation made it impossible to make money. Obama will drag the rest of the country down like what is happening in California."

Jackie Tanase, FoxTale Book Shoppe, Woodstock: "If the entrepreneurial spirit is thwarted by the 'powers to be' through oppressive taxation, the dreams of all mom-and-pop operations will be lost to us all."

Source: McCain-Palin 2008

www.JohnMcCain.com