Ernst: 'Nonpartisan' motorcycle ride to precede political speeches Saturday

The 42-mile motorcycle ride that kicks off Joni Ernst’s second annual Roast and Ride fundraiser Saturday will be “a little more nonpartisan,” the U.S. senator from Iowa said.

But you can bet the speeches that occur afterward will be anything but.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will headline the event along with Ernst. And other state Republicans — Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley and U.S. Reps. David Young, Rod Blum and Steve King — will help round out an afternoon of speeches.

“I think it is about exciting our base and energizing them, and this is the perfect opportunity,” Ernst said from the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Friday where she was previewing the event. “We’re coming against that Labor Day weekend which traditionally kicks off the campaign season. So this is a buildup to get people excited, get them out and about. And I think we’re going to do that.”

In between the politics, attendees can listen to tunes from local band The Nadas and compete in rounds of horse shoes.

And although most of the attending high-level politicians will likely feast on roast pork sandwiches, Ernst said none have committed to partaking in the motorcycle ride alongside her.

“Safety first, maybe,” she laughed.

Trump declined to take part in the motorcycle ride. But with recent polling indicating a tight race in Iowa, he'll have an opportunity to try to win over some undecided Iowa Republicans and independents.

Ernst's advice to him: Stick to talking about issues like the economy, jobs and national security.

“What I would say with both of them, because there have been a lot of barbs thrown at each other, is that they need to take this into a civil discourse," she said. "And we’re not seeing that right now. I don’t like it when campaigns go that direction. And I would say of both of them, that, you know, back down and let's really talk about policies and the issues.”

Last year the event drew seven presidential hopefuls and helped raise about $15,000 for America’s Fund, she said. This year, proceeds will go to SoldierStrong, a charity that works to help soldiers walk again after suffering spinal injuries.