BOONE, Iowa — The attack ads and debates will come later. On Saturday, several Republican presidential contenders fought for an edge among motorcycles, puppies, war heroes and roasted pork, having swapped dark suits for blue jeans to meet Iowans eight months before they cast the first votes of the 2016 primary.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry cruised to an afternoon presidential forum on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, leading hundreds in separate rides as their Republican competitors chatted up would-be supporters over barbecue and potato salad.
“What a great day this morning was — out there on a Harley-Davidson, riding by the heartland of America,” Perry said. “That is what America’s all about. Living freedom, riding free.”
Perry’s ride raised money for the Puppy Jake Foundation, which trains service dogs for wounded veterans.
Walker, wearing a black “Born to Ride” T-shirt, said, “You’ve got to have fun on campaigns — or would-be campaigns — along the way.”
The Saturday attendees included Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and former tech executive Carly Fiorina.
