Presidential Candidate, Tommy Thompson, Visits Little Sturgis on the River

Tommy Thompson at Little Sturgis on the River




The Big Schwag, Tommy Thompson and Randy Simpson excite the crowd



Tommy Thompson speaks about freedom, motorcycles and patriotism 

Former Governor of Wisconsin and current presidential candidate Tommy Thompson visited Davenport, Iowa on June 15th. It was the annual “Little Sturgis on the River” event which attracts thousands of bikers from Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Team Tommy organizers, Tony and Vicki Sanfelipo, were on hand all weekend at a booth promoting Thompson and advertising the Straw Poll vote on August 11th and the street party they put together for August 10th, in the cultural district of Ames, Iowa.

Thompson flew into Cedar Rapids earlier in the day for an event that lasted until 7:30 PM.  He was driven to Davenport by staff workers and arrived at just after 9 PM. The “Big Schwag”, host of Discovery Channel’s Monster Garage, greeted Thompson along with Randy Simpson of Milwaukee Iron and the former “Southern Steele” program, also on Discovery. They whisked Thompson to a stage in one of the large tented areas where he was greeted by a capacity crowd. Thompson spoke about motorcycling, freedom, patriotism and the special bond bikers share. He was introduced by former Wisconsin Senator and marathon bike rider, Dave Zien.

Although his staff members wanted Tommy to leave after his speech in order to drive to Chicago and catch a plane for his appearance the next morning, he decided to stay and talk to people and shake hands. He really enjoys being with bikers and discussing whatever it is they want to talk about. His charisma carried the night and he still had many fans lining the roadway wishing him farewell as he drove off.  It is hoped that a large contingency of bikers come to Ames, Iowa on August 10th and 11th to show their support of Thompson during the Straw Poll vote.

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