The Ottawa County Republican Party stands on honesty and integrity. We do not endorse candidates in contested delegate races — and we expect all groups and organizations operating in Ottawa County **to be held to the same standard.

That is exactly why we are speaking out today.

A group has been sending text blasts across Ottawa County promoting slates of "Hard Working Republican Delegates." We are all for campaigning — but what happened in Polkton Township crosses a line.

Precinct Delegate candidate, Karen Helsen, was included on one of these slates without ever being contacted or asked for her permission. She found out the same way everyone else did — when the text went out. The slate she was placed on without her consent includes Patrick Kapenga, who is also on the August 4 ballot against Joe Moss for State Representative in House District 89.

In Karen's own words:

"I was placed on a slate without my knowledge or permission. I would have said no if asked. In fact, I would have run with the other 3 delegate candidates in my precinct who were left off the campaign text. I support my fellow grassroots delegates and I am voting for Joe Moss. This kind of deception has no place in Ottawa County Republican politics."
— Karen Helsen, Polkton Township Precinct 1 Delegate Candidate

Those three delegates are Teresa Cichewicz, Jessica Langeland, and Ruth VanHoven.

Voters, *before you cast your ballot on August 4, please ask questions about who is really behind the texts and mailers you are receiving — and who actually consented to be on them.

For Constitutional Liberty,

-Joel Studebaker

Chairman, Ottawa County Republican Party

---Please see supporting screenshots below and specifically the one of the sign on Karen Helson's property that has been there for several months.

Karen's Online Statement

Text Blast Sent Without Permission

Actual Ballot Delegate Choices

Karen Helson's Property, Displaying her Candidate of Choice