State Treasurer Sarah Steelman won an endorsement today from Missouri’s chief advocates for repeal of the law requiring motorcyclists to wear protective headgear.
Steelman, in a tight race for the Republican nomination for governor, said she was pleased that the Freedom of Road Riders endorsed her over U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof of Columbia.
“I am honored to have the support of these freedom-loving Missourians,” Steelman said in a statement. “They believe, as I do, in preserving the freedoms granted to all Americans through the United States Constitution. I look forward to their activity in our campaign and to working with them to preserve liberty as governor.”
Freedom of Road Riders, which claims a membership of more than 4,000, describes itself as a motorcycle rights organization “open to all riders and fans from all walks of life, no matter what brand you ride, drive or dream about.”
The group is best known for lobbying vigorously, if unsuccessfully, for more than a decade to repeal Missouri’s helmet law. Every year, such bill’s garner enough support to reach the floor of the House or Senate.
Members lobby lawmakers about the need for personal freedom and the joy of riding with the wind in your hair. Members dressed in black leather vests spread throughout the public galleries to watch the debate.
But they have never been able to overcome concerns about increased head injuries and additional health care costs associated with helmetless riding.
Freedom of Road Riders maintains a Web site that includes a message urging members to join the effort to support sympathetic candidates. The message is posted by the group’s vice chairman and legislative coordinator, Greg “Halfbreed” Mullanix, who lives north of Columbia.
The group says it is involved in a wide range of motorcycle rights issues.
“We're not just about helmet laws,” the Web site says. “We work in all areas of motorcyclist rights and freedoms, and endeavor to pursue such rights as equal access to riders, anti-health/insurance discrimination, pro-rider & driver safety training, just to name a few. And we love to get together and ride.”
Wacky Wagar Words of Wisdom
Way over the line this time, Wagar. Your headline is sexist and it suggests a serious lack of respect for FORR and for Sarah Steelman.
You know you wouldn't do anything like that if you were reporting on a Nixon endorsement. Isn't it time you either dropped your biased vendetta or resigned?
It is a shame what has happened to professional journalism.