Although motorcycle enthusiasts have jumped in the saddle for many causes, they were mostly to raise money for a charity or bring attention to matters relating directly to bikers.

But the motorcycle has firmly taken its place in the political parade with recent events.

The famous Memorial Day Weekend ride to Washington D.C. to focus attention on American troops, Rolling Thunder, made front page headlines when Sarah Palin hopped on the back of a Harley-Davidson. Not to miss the political spotlight, potential GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman is hitting the road in New Hampshire on the back of a Harley in time for Laconia Bike Week.

And on Saturday, the humble motorcycle is changing gears from helping would-be Presidential candidates improve their public profile to bringing attention to what is being called a ‘union-killing’ bill.

On Saturday, We Are Ohio will host motorcycle riders statewide in a rally and “Ride to Kill the Bill” around the Statehouse in opposition to Senate Bill 5 (SB5), which limits public-employee unions’ collective bargaining.

Despite the political overtones, it is still a motorcycle event and will of course feature entertainment in the form of Mission, The Moonbats, and Mary’s Crooked Box. Vendors from the Proud Ohio Worker program will sell food and refreshments.

T-shirts will be available for sale, and bikers can sign petitions to repeal SB5 at the rally.

While the motorcycle can be politically traced to many local election campaigns and famous visits by sitting Presidents to the Harley-Davidson factories, it gained the nationwide spotlight in the last Presidential election when then Republican nominee John McCain appeared at Sturgis in front of a crowd of roaring motorcycles.

And with many future Presidential candidates looking to associate themselves with the very foundations of American life, the motorcycle world should expect to see more politicians saddle up for those votes.

This does leave us to wonder, however, will this be the new ultimate guest appearance for upcoming rallies to promote their future events?