A presidential candidate biking across Iowa this week bills himself as “an average Joe.” Forty-five-year-old Joe Shriner of Ripley, Ohio, is an independent who’s running as a write-in candidate.Shriner, who has never held elected office, is biking across the Midwest with his wife and two, not-yet-school-age kids. Shriner says he wants to uncomplicate government, something regular “Joe’s” want.Shriner worked for two Ohio newspapers and has been a substance abuse counselor. Shriner rolls into Denison about noon today, then heads for Harlan and Council Bluffs. His web site — “voteforjoe-dot-com” features stories Shriner has written about his journey. Shriner expects to write a campaign book when it’s all over.
