Traditionally the political parties do not endorse particular candidates before the primaries. In all fairness to candidates, having the party itself endorse a candidate is putting in the fix ahead of what should be a level playing field allowing candidates a chance to persuade the voters.
The Ottawa County GOP has thrown fairness out the window in favor of support for the most extreme candidates including all of the Ottawa Impact sworn commissioner candidates. What seemed to be limited to the county board of commissioners and local school boards has spread to the county GOP who is now in conflict with the state level GOP led by Republican Chair Pete Hoekstra. Ottawa Impact leader Joe Moss nominated former Chair Kristina Karamo who was later removed for a number of reasons including financial improprieties at a time when the party was near bankruptcy. The contested ousting of Karamo threw the party into chaos and was later decided by the courts. Everywhere extremists go, chaos follows.
The ultimate goal of extremism – is more extremism. Consider the convenient listing of candidates from the county Republican Endorsement Convention highlighted below in yellow as a voters guide of what candidates to NOT vote for in the upcoming August 6th primary.
Quotes from non-OI candidates
John Teeples will not attend the Ottawa County GOP endorsement convention and will not accept any endorsement from that organization, which is largely influenced by Ottawa Impact.
It is unprecedented for the GOP in Ottawa County to vet Republican candidates before a primary election, and this so-called endorsement convention seeks to disenfranchise Republican voters and divide the party.
John is a pro-life, fiscally and socially conservative, and is a life-long Republican running for County Commission against Ottawa Impact. When elected, his fair-minded representation of Georgetown Township residents and decision-making will be based on common sense, conservative principles and on his lengthy and broad legal and business experience.
John is an independent thinker and will not be subject to any attempt by Ottawa Impact to control his actions or vote as County Commissioner.
– JohnTeeples.com
I will not be attending the Ottawa County GOP endorsement convention tonight. I could walk on water and give a “Ronald Regan Time for Choosing” speech and still NOT change the minds of any of the Ottawa Impact Delegates at the convention. The vote tonight is rigged in favor of Ottawa Impact Candidates. I consider the convention election interference by the Ottawa County GOP.
This unprecedented and foolish endorsement convention will only further divide our fractured party and alienate Republican voters.
I am a social conservative, a fiscal conservative, pro-life, pro-limited government, pro-second amendment, pro-parental rights, with a dash of libertarianism Republican running for County Commissioner in Ottawa County District 6.
I have lived in Ottawa County for 40 years and in West Michigan my whole life. I am the TRUE conservative candidate in District 6. My allegiance is to the citizens of District 6 NOT Ottawa Impact.
I will not engage in quixotic endeavors. I am independent of Ottawa Impact and will not subject myself to any attempt to have them influence my actions or votes. I am running to represent all the citizens of District 6.
– Shawn Haff
The Ottawa County GOP has added a primary endorsement and resolution that has never been a part of the Republican party platform. As an officer of the court, I am sworn by two oaths to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Michigan. My responsibility as a prosecuting attorney is to provide fair representation to all citizens of Ottawa County.
Thus, I cannot agree to any resolution or contract that would make my advocacy for justice appear as though it would be prosecuted unjustly or become subject to an appeal or liability to the county. Therefore, I will not be attending the Ottawa County GOP endorsement convention, nor will I be seeking their endorsement.
– Sarah Matwiejczyk for Prosecutor
In the first weeks of our campaign, the Ottawa County GOP refused to invite me to a “Meet the Candidates” forum. Tonight, again, I am not invited to the Ottawa GOP nominating committee meeting. I have never received a questionnaire, nor have I been interviewed by any member for vetting.
Historically, the party has stayed out of primary races. It has been up to the voters in the primary to choose their candidate. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be what the Ottawa GOP is about anymore. Instead, it is about consolidating power into the hands of a few.
I am a lifelong fiscal conservative, small government, local control, free market, rule of law Republican.
As a candidate for Sheriff, I am accountable to the Law and the will of the people of our county. I do not have to sign an oath to Ottawa Impact to prove what I am about.
My 25 years of service to the citizens of Ottawa County is my oath. I will continue to serve in that spirit for as long as you will allow.
– Eric DeBoer for Ottawa County Sheriff
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