Biker status bashed in Florida campaign

Allen West, GOP candidate for Florida congress seat

A black Republican is running against a Jewish Democrat incumbent for a Florida Congressional seat, but only one candidate's status as a motorcyclist seem to be a political handicap.

Neither race nor religion plays a factor in the race, but Allen West, the Republican challenger, is being attacked by the Democratic National Campaign Committee for attending a motorcycle fundraising event sponsored by the Outlaws MC and for allowing his mass e-mail magazine to be published in a motorcycle-focused magazine.

Seems he attended an Outlaw-sponsored ride and commented as to how the club members made sure he had privacy while doing a cell-phone interview. That's being interpreted into campaign speak as West being a member of the club, a woman-hater and associating with criminals.

Apparently the Democratic folks don't know much about motorcycle riders, club members or the culture. If they did, they would know that the Outlaws were simply showing respect for someone who's political views many of them likely support. They showed him respect because he gave it to them by attending their function.

Or maybe they do know, but figure -- as do their GOP counterparts --  it's open season on any lifestyle when it's campaign time.