WASHINGTON, DC – Speculation on who would be Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s possible Vice-President pick grew to a fever pitch this week. All eyes were on Indiana when candidate Donald Trump made a pair of visits to the Hoosier state earlier in the week. The first was a standard fundraiser but the second event was a rally where inquiring minds waited for a possible announcement of Trump’s Vice-Presidential pick. They were rewarded on Friday when it was announced via twitter that Governor Mike Pence would indeed round out the Republican presidential ticket. Speculation on Governor Pence as a running mate grew as rumors of a series of private meeting between the Governor and Trump persisted over the last several days.
Perhaps one of the groups most excited about the announcement are motorcyclists from the state. During his tenure in office, Governor Pence has been a supporter of motorcycle rights, working directly with ABATE of Indiana (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) and receiving a personalized basic rider training course arranged by the group’s Executive Director, Jay Jackson. “I think Governor Pence saw the strong connection his predecessor, former Governor Mitch Daniels, had with the motorcycling community. He saw the value in engaging this group because they are politically active, passionate about their cause and most importantly, they show up to vote!” Jackson stated.
Governor Pence rides on a bike several times a year participating in the Ride with the Governor event which brings awareness to motorcycle safety in the Hoosier State and raises funds for the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund. He also has participated in other charity rides as well as served as an escort to bikers passing through the state on their way to the nation’s capital for the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally in Washington, D.C. First Lady Karen Pence has also started to show an interest in riding, indicating a desire to ride with her husband in upcoming events.
Though what will ultimately happen in November with the Presidential Election is anybody’s guess. National polls change almost daily sometimes showing Hillary Clinton in the lead and sometimes Donald Trump. Nonetheless, some motorcyclists from the state are excited about the possibility of a motorcycle rights supporter as Vice-President. “Who knows?” Jackson said, “Maybe this time next year we’ll hold the nation’s first ever ‘Ride with the Vice-President’ event.”
About Motorcycle Riders Foundation
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.
