Greens Blister Access Candidates

TPAC wants to send this short update on the presidential race regarding the recent attacks on Governor Romney by one of the most active anti-OHV groups in the country and that organization is the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).

 

PEER’s “OHV Policy” lead is Karen Schambach.  She has been the green’s point person on a majority of the anti-OHV lawsuits filed in the West included a lawsuit PEER filed to close the Carnegie State OHV Park in the S.F. Bay Area (a suit  they just lost and had to pay their own $500 thousand dollar legal debt).  Schambach was also the driving force behind the California legislature’s plan to gut the state’s user-pay/user benefit OHV program.

TPAC is warning you and our candidates that this will be an extremely ugly political season where far-left green groups will blister and smear pro-trail candidates with such names as “Member of the Dirty Dozen” or “Eco-thug” like they did to former Congressman Richard Pombo, Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee.

TPAC hopes you will get out on the trail this summer with your family and enjoy the access to public lands that we are fighting for through the election process.

 

Donate $25, $50, $100, $200, $500 today to help us defend our candidates against the green smear machine

http://www.thetrailpac.com/donate.html

Happy Trails,

Don Amador, Founder

The Trail PAC

www.thetrailpac.com

Big Green v. Trail Candidates in WI

TPAC believes Wisconsin will be one of the key "trail" battle states in our race to unseat the anti-access and pro-regulatory majority in the U.S. Senate. The WI Primary is tomorrow and it looks like it will pit Tammy Baldwin (who has been endorsed by Big Green) against several pro-trail candidates.

TPAC believes the two top pro-access candidates who are leading in the polls are Tommy Thompson and Mark Neumann. Thompson is the former governor and is a motorcycle rider and one-time (or current) member of the American Motorcyclist Association. Thompson has also been endorsed by rocker Ted Nugent -an avid outdoorsman from the "hook and bullet" community.

Neumann also appeared to be pro-access and against overregulation while serving in Congress. He has the endorsement of Senator Rand Paul - a real champion who is working to stop the EPA from abusing the public via its excessive regulatory agenda.

TPAC is not sure who will win the primary battle between the access candidates, but we are committed to supporting the eventual winner against Baldwin who would be a strong environmental ally of Senator Harry Reid and support his ongoing efforts to block Senate votes on pro-trail and regulatory reform House bills.

TPAC believes the trail and outdoor communities should work together to help make sure this battleground state elects a pro-access candidate to the U.S. Senate on November 6.

Please join the off-roaders, racers, aftermarket, lawyers, architects, land agency staffers, academics, small business owners, motorcycle moms/dads, OHV media, and others who have already donated to TPAC.

Donate $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1000, up to $5000 to help us fight in key battle ground states to win back the senate.

Donate here:

http://www.thetrailpac.com/donate.html

Thanks,

Don Amador

The Trail PAC

www.thetrailpac.com

Trail PAC Opinion - State of Disunion

TPAC OPINION - State of DisUnion

The Trail PAC believes this country's trail-based recreation programs are in a current State of Disunion. According to information from the Competitive Enterprise Institute, the Obama administration has promulgated over 800 new major regulations (regulations that have a $100 million dollar or more economic impact). That compares to about 160 such regulations issued during the Bush era.

New rules or regulations (NEPA, ESA, EPA, etc.) related to OHV use on public lands continue to encourage and reward extreme environmental groups to sue land agencies if motorized events are not banned and/or if not enough trails and roads are closed during travel management planning processes.

TPAC is encouraged by House pro-trail legislation and hearings that seek to address the closure agenda of federal bureaucrats and to block the taxpayer funding of environmental lawsuits. However, an anti-trail majority in the Senate chamber is blocking those companion efforts.

TPAC believes the OHV community should work hard to change that dynamic in the Senate by supporting the campaigns of pro-trail candidates.

# # #

TPAC asks you to join our fight to support pro-trail candidates in the 2012 elections.

Please make a $5, $10, $25, $50, $100, $500, $1000 contribution today

Donate via PayPal:

http://www.thetrailpac.com/donate.html

TPAC Endorsements

http://thetrailpac.blogspot.com/

Thanks in advance for the support!

Don

Don Amador, Founder

The Trail PAC

www.thetrailpac.com

TRAIL PAC BREAKING NEWS - Pro-Trail Congressman Herger Retires from the House

The Trail PAC has breaking news that Congressman Wally Herger will not be seeking another term in Congress.  As many of you know, Herger has been a champion for responsible OHV recreational use of public lands.

According to FLASHREPORT, Herger will be endorsing State Senator Doug LaMalfa in a run for his House seat.

FLASHREPORT on Herger Announcement

 http://www.flashreport.org/blog/2012/01/09/breaking-u-s-rep-wally-herger-to-retire-endorsing-doug-lamalfa-for-congress/

LaMalfa has also been a strong supporter of responsible OHV recreation. Based on LaMalfa’s history in the state legislature, TPAC believes that he also will be a pro-trail champion in the House of Representatives.  This will most certainly be an important race to watch.

To Support TPAC – Send a Donation to:

http://www.thetrailpac.com/donate.html

Thanks for your support of TPAC’s effort to get the OHV voter engaged in the federal election process.

Best regards,

Don

Don Amador, Founder

The Trail Political Action Committee

www.thetrailpac.com

Sage-Grouse Becomes Political Issue in 2012 Elections

By now, many trail voters are aware of the Obama Administration’s Greater Sage-Grouse planning effort that has started in a number of Western States.  The Trail PAC has been reviewing this issue since mid December 2011.

As the article states below, multiple-use of public lands including recreational access is at risk. 

Jan. 9 - Article on Sage-Grouse Planning and Potential Impacts

http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page72068?oid=142706&sn=Detail&pid=102055

TPAC believes the 2012 election cycle is critically important to trail voters since it will be those elected federal officials -- with oversight and appointment/confirmation responsibility of unelected regulators -- who make the ultimate decision on how many public land users will be impacted by Sage-Grouse related closures.

To help TPAC elect pro-access candidates, please donate today!

http://www.thetrailpac.com/donate.html

Thanks for your support of TPAC’s effort to get the OHV voter engaged in the federal election process.

Best regards,

Don

Don Amador, Founder

The Trail Political Action Committee

www.thetrailpac.com

*You were added to this TPAC email list because of your interest in public land access politics.  If you would like to be dropped from this list -- please send an email to: info@thetrailpac.com  --- Please

accept TPAC's apology if you did not want to be on this list.

Merry Christmas from The Trail PAC

Dear Trail PAC Supporters,

As we approach Christmas and many of us prepare to take a few days off to spend time with our families and friends, TPAC wants to thank you for your generous support of during its first year.

TPAC is very excited about the 2012 election cycle and will be highlighting those key House and Senate races starting in January.  TPAC will be judging each key/targeted race for its potential impact on OHV trail access to public lands.

For example, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV, CD-1) will challenge Senator Heller (R-NV).  With proposed new sage grouse restrictions that could impact public access for hunters, off-roaders, miners, and other interests, the candidates position on that and other environmental issues will be of critical import to voters throughout the West.

TPAC wants to wish all of you a very Happy Holiday Season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All,

Don

Don Amador, Founder

TPAC

To Make a Special Christmas Donation to TPAC go here:

www.thetrailpac.com

TPAC NEWS RELEASE - Off-Road Racing Icon Endorses TPAC

                                                                  JEFF FREDETTE

TPAC NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador

Email: info@thetrailpac.com

Date: December 12, 2011

*Photo is of Jeff Fredette (photo courtesy of Fredette Racing Products)

OFF-ROAD RACING ICON ENDORSES THE TRAIL PAC

BEECHER, IL, (Dec. 12)  – A 31 time International Six Days Enduro medalist and business owner endorsed The Trail PAC today.  Jeff Fredette, president of Fredette Racing Products in the Midwest has been a strong supporter of land-use advocacy.

Jeff Fredette, Founder of Fredette Racing Products, states, “I believe that trail riders throughout the country must get involved in the political process to keep trails open for family oriented OHV recreation. Off-roaders only have ourselves to blame if we stand by on the sidelines while well-funded anti-access political action committees support politicians who vote to close trails.”

“I believe The Trail PAC will play an important roles in the 2012 election by directing resources to key races where the pro-trail candidates needs some extra support.  I am proud to endorse the efforts of TPAC this election cycle,” Fredette concludes.

The Trail PAC:

http://www.thetrailpac.com/

# # #

4x4Wire Editor Makes Endorsement of The Trail PAC

Some very good weekend news. The Trail PAC just got the endorsement

of 4x4Wire Editor - John Stewart.

4x4Wire News Release

http://www.4x4wire.com/access-and-land-use/4x4wire-endorses-the-trailpac

Watch for a major TPAC announcement tomorrow

Best regards,

Don

Don Amador, Founder

The Trail PAC

http://www.thetrailpac.com/

To Donate to TPAC go to:

http://www.thetrailpac.com/donate.html

You were added to this TPAC email list because of your interest in public land access

politics.  If you would like to be dropped from this list -- please send an email to: info@thetrailpac.com  --- Please accept TPAC's apology if you did not want to be on this list.

TPAC Pro-Trail Questionnaires in the 2012 Election

The decision of what candidate to support during the 2012 election cycle can often be complex and difficult to make.  One of the tools that political action committees utilize is the Questionnaire.

The Trail PAC has linked to an anti-trail PAC’s questionnaire that was filled out by then presidential candidate, Barack Obama.   The League of Conservation Voters which is one of the major green PACs asked Obama about his position on off-highway vehicle and over-the-snow vehicle use in National Parks.  As you know, there are many national park units that allow for motorized use during the appropriate season.

Article/Post of LCV Questionnaire to Obama with his position against OHV use

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/green/LeagueofConservativeVotersQuestionnaire.pdf

As TPAC grows and prepares for the 2012 election cycle, it too plans to utilize questionnaires to help it decide who the best pro-trail candidate is in various House and Senate races.  The respective candidates for President in the general election will also get a questionnaire.

As always, your support is needed to help TPAC engage the anti-trail PACs and defeat the candidates and positions they promote.

Happy Trails!

Don

Don Amador, Founder

The Trail PAC

To Donate to TPAC go to:

http://www.thetrailpac.com/donate.html

EPA Off-Road Dust Issue At Top of GOP Prez Candidate Debate

As off-road voters know, it’s both anti-trail politicians and the agency leads they appoint and/or confirm at the EPA and other cabinet level departments that can impact our recreational access to public and private lands.

Recently the issue of proposed EPA “dust regulations” has been at the top of the news.

Article on Newt’s Position on EPA and Dust

http://caucuses.desmoinesregister.com/2011/11/15/gingrich-epa-denial-about-agricultural-dust-regulation-is-a-lie/

Newt has now joined Herman Cain as identifying the “dust issue” as one of the regulatory anti-access issues at EPA.

Here is a TV ad that talks about Cain’s position on EPA dust

 http://nation.foxnews.com/herman-cain/2011/11/09/herman-cain-ad-epa-wants-regulate-dust

TPAC blog on Cain and EPA Dust

http://thetrailpac.blogspot.com/2011/09/cain-wins-prez-debate-on-epa-dust-issue.html

 Be assured TPAC is engaged in the 2012 election debates to see where candidates stand on the issues that impact the motorized recreation community.  Your support is needed so TPAC can effectively counter the anti-trail and anti-access  PACs and candidates in this election cycle. 

To Donate online to TPAC go to:

http://www.thetrailpac.com/donate.html

To Donate via snail mail go to the main TPAC website and download the form:

www.thetrailpac.com

To Endorse TPAC send your endorsement to:

info@thetrailpac.com

Thanks for your support!

Don Amador, Founder

The Trail PAC

 

CYCLE NEWS EDITORIAL ON TPAC - Getting in the Game

In the November 15 issue of Cycle News, the history and goals of The Trail PAC are

reviewed in an In The Wind editorial.  You will find out what challenge issued

to the OHV community back in 2002 was the onus for creating TPAC.

Cycle News In The Wind Editorial – Getting in the Game

http://cyclenews.coverleaf.com/cyclenews/20111115#pg19

TPAC wants to thank those off-road enthusiasts who have already donated to and/or endorsed our efforts. 

TPAC will be very busy in the 2012 election cycle helping support pro-trail candidates

running for elected federal office.  We need your help.

To Donate online to TPAC go to:

http://www.thetrailpac.com/donate.html

To Donate via snail mail go to the main TPAC website and download the form:

www.thetrailpac.com

To Endorse TPAC send your endorsement to:

info@thetrailpac.com

Thanks for your support!

The Trail PAC

Pro-Trail CA State Legislator Endorses TPAC

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador

Email: info@thetrailpac.com

Date: November 2, 2011

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE CHAMPION ENDORSES THE TRAIL PAC

SAN D IEGO, CA – A nationally recognized champion for outdoor recreation on public lands endorsed The Trail PAC today.  Dennis Hollingsworth, former State Senator for the 36^th District in California, worked for over 10 years to protect and promote responsible recreational use of public lands. His district is home to one of the largest concentrations of off-road families in the country.

In response to increasing efforts across the state to destroy California’s outdoor heritage, Senator Hollingsworth helped found the California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus, a bipartisan organization modeled after the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus in Washington, D.C. The Caucus, of which Hollingsworth served as Co-Chairman, serves to promote outdoor pursuits by presenting a strong, unified voice in Sacramento.

Dennis Hollingsworth, an avid outdoorsman himself, states, ‘Pro-access candidates running for office need the support of the off-road community.  In 2012, I believe off-road voters and TPAC will have a critical role in helping get trail-friendly candidates elected into office.”

“It will be in those tight swing races where TPAC will be most useful.  Being able to direct fiscal resources to those important federal campaigns will help ensure that a pro-trail majority will exist in Washington D.C. TPAC is poised to make a big impact for trail users in the 2012 election cycle.” Hollingsworth concludes.

Hollingsworth was also the recipient of a legislative award from the California League of Off-Road Voters.

The Trail PAC:

www.thetrailpac.com

# # #

FMR. INTERIOR OFFICIAL ENDORSES THE TRAIL PAC

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador

Email: info@thetrailpac.com

Date: November 1, 2011

FMR. INTERIOR OFFICIAL ENDORSES THE TRAIL PAC

SACRAMENTO, CA – The former Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks in the U.S. Department of the Interior endorsed The Trail PAC today.  The Honorable Craig Manson also served as a Superior Court judge in Sacramento and was General Counsel to the California Department of Fish and Game.

Currently, Craig Manson is General Counsel of the largest agricultural water agency in the United States, and has had a distinguished career in the Air Force and California Air National Guard. As a law professor for eighteen years, he taught natural resources law, administrative law and public policy development.

Craig Manson, “As one who has served as a land management executive policymaker at the highest levels of federal and state governments, I can’t stress enough the importance of recreation interests to get involved in the political process.”

“Federal resource departments must carry out the land-use directives from the White House while answering to Congress that creates laws, has budget authority, and oversight responsibilities.  It is critically important for recreational interests to support those politicians who champion a responsible land-ethic that includes managed OHV use on public lands,” Manson concludes.

# # #

TPAC MEDIA ADVISORY - Major Endorsement TBA Nov. 1

TPAC Political/Media Advisory

October 31, 2011

Don Amador

TPAC Contact: info@thetrailpac.com

       MAJOR ENDORSEMENT TO BE ANNOUNCED  

WASHINGTON D.C. With the 2012 election just one year away, The Trail PAC will be announcing a major political endorsement on November 1, 2011.  The endorsement is being made by a former top Interior administration official who is endorsing TPAC's efforts to support those elected officials or candidates for elected federal office who believe in a responsible land ethic that includes managed OHV use on public lands. 

                                                     # # #



National Off-Road and 4WD Spokesman Endorses TPAC

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador

Email: info@thetrailpac.com

Date: October 26, 2011

NATIONAL FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE SPOKESMAN ENDORSES THE TRAIL PAC

MOKELUMNE HILL, CA – A national spokesman for responsible four-wheel drive recreation on public lands endorsed The Trail PAC today.  Del Albright, president of Albright Enterprises in the Sierra Nevada, has been in land-use advocacy for almost 30 years, with 50 years of off-road recreation under his belt.

Del Albright, also a photojournalist that stays in touch with the national scene states, “Off-road voters must become actively involved in the election process.  In the 21^st Century, the electoral process is just as important as the administrative or legal process when it comes to keeping our trails open for public use.”

“I support TPAC because it gives motorized recreationists a political champion that is singularly focused on the 2012 election cycle and how it will impact our trail access. I am proud to endorse the efforts of TPAC and am encouraging my network to support it with endorsements and donations,” Albright concludes.

The Trail PAC:

http://www.thetrailpac.com/

# # #

Off-Road Champion Endorses The Trail PAC

*PHOTO: ISDE Gold Medal Winner, Chris Carter.

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador

Email: info@thetrailpac.com

Date: October 11, 2011

OFF-ROAD HERO ENDORSES THE TRAIL PAC

SAN CARLOS, CA - An off-road racing champion and long-time supporter of efforts to protect trail access on public lands endorsed The Trail PAC today.  Chris Carter, president of Motion Pro in the San Francisco Bay Area, has been an industry leader in land-use advocacy since the 1980s.

Chris Carter, Founder of Motion Pro, states, “I believe that trail enthusiasts must be involved on every front in the fight to keep trails open for responsible OHV recreation.

Off-road voters must become informed and engaged in the electoral process because it is politicians who designate which areas are open or closed to motorized recreation.”

“I believe The Trail PAC is an important tool that should be added to the land-use tool box.  I am proud to endorse the efforts of TPAC to help elect politicians who will support

the trail community,” Carter concludes.

To Donate to The Trail PAC go to:

http://www.thetrailpac.com/

                                                                 # # #

The Trail PAC Makes Dirt Bike News

The Trail PAC wants to thank AMA District 36 for helping get the word out about our efforts.  As many of you know, D36 is one of the most politically active OHV organizations in the country.  Dave Pickett (D36’s head political guru) figured out long ago that off-road voters must become engaged in the political and electoral process if our sport is to survive.

Thanks D36 for your support!

Cain Wins Prez Debate on EPA Dust Issue

The Trail PAC watched the FOX/Google Presidential debate last night with keen interest.  As some of you know, the EPA is often driving the issue of OHV closures on public lands.  One of those EPA closure tools is  “dust” or particulate matter.  EPA claims it needs to control dust as a reason to order the BLM or Forest Service to close or severely restrict historic OHV access throughout the West.

EPA citing “dust” and other issues as a reason to close areas to OHV

http://www.epa.gov/region9/nepa/letters/ironwood-forest-nat-mon-rsrc-mgt-DEIS.pdf

EPA is also behind the closure of the Clear Creek Management Area.

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/assignment_7&id=8363558

TPAC gives the “OHV win” last night to Herman Cain because of his enthusiastic and clearly articulated position on the need to overhaul EPA.  And most important to OHVers -- is that he knew about the “dust” issue.

Video and Text of Cain’s EPA Discussion

http://nation.foxnews.com/herman-cain/2011/09/22/cain-says-kill-epa-theyre-trying-eliminate-dust

TPAC understands this is very early in the election cycle and that there will be many more debates.  However, TPAC appreciates that there are candidates who understand how government overregulation is having an impact on public and private land uses.

The Trail PAC Weighs in on NV CD2 Special Election

As the Trail PAC continues to grow, off-road voters can expect to see more commentary on the 2012 election cycle.  Even though the 2012 elections are still a long way off, there is one congressional race that TPAC is watching in NV-CD2. 

Nevada voters will decide today in a special election between Mark Amodei (R) and Kate Marshall (D). 

Access interests will have to decide which candidate not only will be most likely to listen and be interested in off-road issues, but just as important, will vote for pro-access committee chairmen on committees such as the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public lands.  As you know, that subcommittee has been working hard on OHV and recreation access issues and is holding a field hearing next week on September 19 in Sacramento. 

Mark Amodei’s Public Land Policy  (TPAC rating a B+)

http://amodei4nevada.com/topics/currentissues_info.asp?ciID=9

Kate Marshall’s Public Land Policy  (TPAC rating a C-)

http://www.katefornevada.com/issues

TPAC will be watching the returns tonight to see which candidate Nevada voters elect into office.  Let’s hope that off-road voters have played some role in this battle.  Your vote will help decide if you have a local voice in those aforementioned pro-access committee hearings and ultimately if they those hearings continue into the future.

To learn about TPAC go to:

www.thetrailpac.com

To make a donation to TPAC go to:

http://www.thetrailpac.com/donate.html

Stay tuned, as the 2012 election cycle has already started.  This cycle should be very busy!

NEWS RELEASE - The Trail PAC Launched Today to Kick-off the 2012 Election Cycle

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador, Founder

Email: info@thetrailpac.com

Date: September 1, 2011

Website: www.thetrailpac.com

NATIONAL MOTORIZED RECREATION PAC LAUNCHED TO PROTECT

AND PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE OHV RECREATION ON FEDERAL LANDS

WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 1) - A national political action committee (PAC) dedicated exclusively to promoting and protecting responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation was launched earlier today.  The formal and historic announcement of The Trail PAC (TPAC) comes just in time for the official Labor Day Weekend kickoff of the 2012 election cycle.

*
Don Amador, founder of TPAC, states, The Trail Political Action Committee was founded as the first national non-partisan political action committee dedicated solely to championing responsible off-highway vehicle recreation on designated roads, trails, and areas on public lands through the electoral and legislative processes.

*
Amador continues, “TPAC believes that ‘all land-use decisions are political decisions.’  Our strategic goal is simple. TPAC will contribute to pro-access politicians who will support OHV recreation friendly legislation and oppose anti-access proposals and agency overregulation.

*

“TPAC will actively represent the interests of OHV recreationists by promoting and supporting legislators and legislation that are critical to the long-term viability of our recreational activities.  TPAC will respect the donations made by OHV recreationists and aggressively work to defeat legislators and legislation that undermines our right to access public lands in a responsible manner,” Amador concludes.
*
_____________________
Paid for by The Trail PAC
*
# # #

TPAC in the News
http://utvweekly.com/index.php/2011/09/national-motorized-recreation-pac-launched-to-protect-and-promote-responsible-ohv-recreation-on-federal-lands/