ATVers for Bush

I started riding ATV’s when I was 8 years old. I have been a Republican almost as long as I have been an ATVer.

A great deal has changed since 1985. My first machine was a Yamaha 80 Moto-4 and it cost $899 brand new from the dealership. The machine I ride now has over $1000 in aftermarket parts alone. Regardless of the machine I ride, my passion and love for the sport has remained strong.

As an ATV rider, I am supporting President Bush’s re-election and will go to the polls to vote for him on November 2nd.

President Bush is a principled leader who has stood up for the freedoms of American powersport enthusiasts. He believes in individual rights and is working to put an end to frivolous lawsuits that threaten our sport. He has implemented common sense policies to manage the use of public lands and reined in the Clinton Administration’s roadless initiative.

Senators Kerry and Edwards do not share the same respect of powersport enthusiasts. “As one of his first actions in office, John Kerry will repromulgate the roadless rule and vigorously defend it in the courts,” says Kerry’s website. In his environmental plan Kerry says, “While snowmobiles, jet skis and all terrain vehicles have their place, they do not mix with sensitive wildlife resources and our nation's most special, wild places." I am willing to bet that your favorite riding area has some “sensitive wildlife resources.”

President Bush has appointed leaders in his Administration who respect responsible ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts. President Bush’s appointees, such as Secretary of Interior Gale Norton, believe in responsibly managing recreation on public lands rather than abolishing it.

The liberal appointees that would come with a Kerry Administration are more likely to be beholden to the extreme elements of the environmental lobby that would, given the choice, wipe ATVs off the face of the earth. Combine that with a trial lawyer Vice President that would continue to stand in the way of significant tort reform to reduce frivolous lawsuits that hurt ATV manufacturers, aftermarket product makers, riding areas, and insurance companies. A Kerry Administration would produce a very bleak picture for our ongoing struggle for acceptance as ATV enthusiasts.

There are many reasons why I plan to vote for President Bush, not the least of which is that I am an avid ATV enthusiast. Protect your freedom, defend our sport, exercise your right to vote on Tuesday, November 2.