American Motorcyclist Association Launches 2012 Voter Guide
American Motorcyclist Association members who want to know where
candidates stand on motorcycling related issues heading into
Election Day should check out the 2012 AMA Voter Guide. The online
tool is an exclusive benefit of AMA membership.
Motorcycle-only checkpoints, restricted recreational access to
public lands and health insurance discrimination against
motorcyclists are just some of the issues used to rate federal
congressional (and soon, state gubernatorial and presidential
candidates) in the 2012 AMA Voter Guide.
"The 2012 AMA Voter Guide gives AMA members important information
about political candidates," said Wayne Allard, a former U.S.
representative and U.S. senator from Colorado who now serves as the
AMA vice president for government relations. "The guide includes a
rating for every federal candidate of the major political parties
who returned an AMA questionnaire. Very soon we'll be adding the
gubernatorial and presidential candidates as well."
The AMA 2012 Voter Guide is part of the AMA "Vote Like A
Motorcyclist" campaign to help members decide how to cast their
ballots in the upcoming elections.
"The AMA is a non-partisan organization and doesn't make political
endorsements," explained Allard. "But we do provide tools to help
our members make informed choices on Election Day and offer tips
for getting involved in campaigns.
"The rating shows how closely the candidates' answers align with
AMA positions," Allard said. "The 2012 AMA Voter Guide also
features scorecards for federal incumbents seeking re-election that
shows how closely their voting records and other actions match the
positions held by the AMA."
Voting and getting involved politically are important because the
results of Election Day lay the foundation for legislation and
laws, Allard added. If anti-motorcycling candidates earn elected
office, then they could legislate away opportunities to ride, cut
back or eliminate funding for rider safety training, or even wipe
out other programs that motorcyclists have spent years working to
implement.
"The 2012 AMA Voter Guide gives AMA members important information about political candidates."
- Wayne Allard, AMA Vice President For Government Relations
"We encourage AMA members and all riders to cast their ballots and
work on political campaigns based, in part, on candidates'
positions on motorcycling related issues, as well as other issues
of importance to them," Allard said.
To learn more about the AMA's "Vote Like a Motorcyclist" campaign
and to access the AMA 2012 Voter Guide online member benefit, go to
www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/members_only/voterguide.aspx.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Source: American Motorcyclist Association
