New Iowa tradition: Ride hogs, eat hogs with Joni Ernst

Freshman GOP Sen. Joni Ernst is rolling out a new Iowa political tradition just in time for the launch of the 2016 presidential campaign: an annual "Roast and Ride" for politicians to mingle with bikers, veterans and BBQ aficionados.

Iowa has a strong history of food-based political events. Former Democratic senator Tom Harkin has hosted a steak fry for years that is required chewing for Democratic politicians, and the iconic Iowa straw poll is really a food and music festival with a side dish of politics (even though the state Republican Party is trying to rein in the costs this year).

Ernst announced Monday that the confirmed list of speakers for her June 6 inaugural Roast and Ride includes GOP presidential contenders Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, Lindsey Graham, Mike Huckabee, Rick Perry, Marco Rubio and Scott Walker. No indication yet which candidates may join the hourlong motorcycle cavalcade/photo op.

Ernst said she looks forward to hearing the speakers offer their visions for America, but really, "Our Ride is a great opportunity for motorcyclists to get the bike out with fellow patriots to honor our veterans,” she said.

The announcement includes information on where to rent a Harley Davidson, for those who are not actually motorcycle owners but want to look the part for the weekend. It also included a reminder that Ernst is in fact a motorcycle owner.

The pork roast is also an homage to the hog castration ad that propelled Ernst from a little-known candidate to the front-runner in her Senate campaign last year.