MRF Remains Neutral in Presidential Race

September 9, 2008 --- With the national parties’ conventions behind us, we no longer have “presumptive” presidential nominees. Senators McCain and Obama are now the standard bearers of their parties. As the summer begins to fade, the campaign for the highest office in the land kicks into high gear.

It’s hardly a surprise that the Motorcycle Riders Foundation should be asked our opinion of the two men seeking the presidency. It should also not come as a shock that the high-spirited men and women who form the framework of this nationwide organization may express opinions on the candidates.

The framework being referenced here is the MRF state representatives program. It is worth noting that the MRF “Reps” are elected by their own state motorcyclists’ rights organizations. They promote the MRF within their states as they see fit. They are free to express their opinions on motorcycling and or the issues of the day without impediment from the national leadership of the MRF. We don’t believe that our volunteers should be censored. It should also be noted that those opinions are just that - opinions - not the official policy of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

Any statement of policy from us will come from the Washington, D.C. office in the form of a Leaders Report, or a press release. Any endorsement of a candidate for federal office, or communication expressly advocating the election or defeat of such a candidate would come from our affiliated MRFPAC.

While the MRF (or to be specific MRFPAC) has no plans on taking a position on the presidential race, we have been in contact with the national leadership of the two major parties. It is our desire to convey the feelings of our members and supporting organizations to the candidates. We are particularly interested as to who will be appointed secretary of transportation in the next administration.

The MRF has established a good relationship with the Republican National Committee. We have been in contact with Senator McCain’s campaign staff and have begun a dialog with them.

Regrettably, despite many attempts by us, our efforts to meet and establish a relationship with the Democratic National Committee have not been successful. We have shifted gears and have been in touch with several influential Democratic operatives. Hopefully, they can help us set-up a meeting with Senator Obama’s campaign staff in Chicago. We would like to meet with senior strategist David Axelrod. We will issue a statement should that take place.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is and will remain a non-partisan organization. We are committed to advancing our legislative agenda that was formulated in concert with our State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization partners. Every day we will be working both sides of the isle in our nation’s capitol to keep motorcycling on the radar screen of the 535 members of the United States Congress.

Michael Kerr
MRF Vice Presiden