Lawmakers Hop On Harleys

By Brad Wright/CNN

SAN DIEGO (AllPolitics, Aug. 11) -- Republicans, revved up for the upcoming elections, showed it Sunday, trading in wool suits for the slick duds of biker leather.

Prominent GOP leaders -- including Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.), House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R- Texas) and Colorado Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell -- hopped on motorcycles in a staged, pre-convention event and road several miles together to the San Diego Convention Center.

Most lawmakers were decked out in jeans, Harley vests and cowboy boots as they sped away on large bikes, including a specially designed Harley Davidson commemorating this year's Republican National Convention.

The group looked as if they were rebels with a cause.

A defiant Sen. Lott stared from his bike, a ponytail wig flapping from his helmet. Just before riding off, he accused Democrats of coming to San Diego to meddle in Republicans' business.

"I think it's about the most petty thing I've ever seen in American politics: When you go to somebody else's convention and throw rocks," Lott said.

"At least, Clinton so far has had the good graces to stay in Wyoming and keep his mouth shut," he added. "But it looks like he could control his pit bull dogs, (George) Stephanopolous and Ann Lewis."

Lott also dismissed the notion that past differences between Bob Dole and Veep candidate Jack Kemp will hinder the GOP.

"He's on the Dole ticket and he's going to support the Dole position. I'm absolutely confident of that," Lott said.

If the bikers are any indication, it's going to be a helluva ride from now until November.

Related Sites:

AllPolitics home page