In a matter of days, Americans will make the decision as to who will be the 44th President of the United States. Presidential elections bring out the largest number of voters, and the top of the ticket can have a definite impact on the down ballot races. Those races, specifically the 435 seats in the House of Representatives and the 35 seats in the United States Senate (there are 2 special Senatorial elections this year in addition to the 33 seats in this cycle) should be of serious interest to us.

In the next Congress we will see debate begin on the re-authorization of the Interstate Highway funding act, which has historically been the defining piece of legislation for us. It is imperative that we support our friends in Congress in those down ballot races and not let them get buried in what could be a landslide vote for President in some states. A defeat of Congressmen who are supportive of our issues could turn what we perceive to be potentially a positive piece of legislation on its ear. The days of “transfer penalties”, sometimes referred to as “helmet law blackmail”, could be on the horizon if we don’t get out and vote.

There are over six million Americans who ride motorcycles. Our challenge in the coming year will be to convey the message to those who hold public office that:

· Motorcyclists are overwhelmingly registered as voters.

· Motorcyclists show up at the polls on Election Day in a far higher percentage than almost any other demographic group.

· Motorcyclists are mindful of the voting records and views on motorcycling of the candidates for congress.

· That when those six million motorcyclists are face to face with their ballots, they will lean to those candidates who are supportive of our issues.

We can make those points a reality on November 4th.  Then, when that fact begins to resonate through the halls of Congress, our problems will begin to fade away.

Everything that we do as activists in the motorcyclists’ rights movement is important. Nothing, however, is as important as voting. It trumps everything else that we do.

This report is not meant to sway anyone to vote for any particular candidate for federal office. It is intended to motivate you to get out and vote. Remember, elections are won on Election Day – the actual election is the only poll that counts.

If you haven’t already taken advantage of early voting, get to the polls on November 4th. Ride your bike, wear your leathers, wear your vest, or your colors. Bring your helmet into the polling place, or rev your bike when you leave. Do it – but most importantly vote.

Think of voting as something that is the most important maintenance task you’ll do to keep your bike on the road. Vote as if your riding in future years depends on it – it does.

NO EXCUSES – VOTE NOVEMBER 4TH

Michael Kerr
MRF Vice President

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Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983

(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.

This is a rather routine hearing for the subcommittee. A hearing of this type is typically held once every two year session of Congress to gather information on what the agency side of Washington is up to. The hearing was not called specifically to examine motorcycle safety but it will be a key point of the hearing. At this time, the hearing will not address any specific legislation nor will any legislation be voted on or even considered.

Panelists will include the Advocates for Highway Safety, a group funded almost exclusively by big insurance companies. As a wing of the insurance industry, they are always trying to increase their profits under the guise of safety. It’s a thinly veiled attempt to save insurance providers from
having to pay out on a claim. Less fatalities on the highways is certainly a good thing, however, the insurance companies don’t want to save lives as much as they want to save money.

The MRF was contacted by the subcommittee to provide a witness who could speak to motorcycle safety from another point of view. The committee staff requested that Washington based lobbyists not testify at the hearing – thus excluding MRF Vice President of Government Relations Jeff Hennie from
direct participation.

The MRF is proud to say that New Hampshire State Senator Robert Letourneau will be representing the motorcyclists on the panel. Senator Letourneau is a member of the state Motorcycle Rider Education Advisory Board and the Governor’s Motorcycle Safety Task Force. Letourneau is Chairman of the New
Hampshire Civil War Memorial Commission as well as a motorcyclist for the past 41 years. Letourneau also recently completed an experienced rider education course so he practices what he preaches. Senator Letourneau is known in the motorcycling world as “Radio Bob” and is a stalwart of the
rights movement.

The MRF invites you to attend the hearing if you live in the DC metro area or are up for a ride to DC. Should you wish to attend the July 16th hearing in 2167 of the Rayburn building please let us know. Email Jeff@mrf.org or call 202-546-0983 and let us know you will be coming. We hope to hear from you. While this subcommittee is friendly towards motorcyclists, it’s always good to have a few bikers in the room.

For more information on the hearing and the sub-committee members, you can visit them on the internet at http://transportation.house.gov.
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Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983

Registration is easy and secure for MRF Regional and Meeting of the Minds conferences. Visit our website at http://www.mrf.org/events.php for further details and registration information.

Send in your nominations and donations for the MRF’s Young Activist Scholarship fund today. For complete details, visit http://www.mrf.org/yascholarship.php.

Sign up today for the MRF’s new roadside assistance program by visiting http://www.mrf.org/mrfroadside.php The program is available to MRF members and non-MRF members.

(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’
rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause
of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as
well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.