In a Thursday press release, Republican candidate for House District 30 Esther Helton expressed her adamant and strongest opposition to an assertion by her opponent, Jonathan Mason, an insurance intake agent, that challenges her Christian faith and pro-life stance.
“As a Bible-believing Christian, a mother who chose vocational school to raise my three children and a nurse who has always stood for the unborn, I reject the continued lies and attacks by my opponent in desperation in this race,” said Helton in response to a press release sent to East Ridge News Online. “My faith is the core of my existence that has helped me navigate many trials. There is no way I would abandon my Christian beliefs in relation to the life of the unborn.”
Helton made the strong rebuttal to a press release issued by Mason touting a Right to Life endorsement using completely false information. The release wrongly claims Helton “did not meet the criteria of Tennessee Right to Life, refusing a meeting with the organization.”
“At no time have I received an email, a correspondence by postal mail or a phone call regarding a meeting, a survey or any interaction with the political organization,” continued Helton. “I am disgusted with the ongoing smears and attacks coming from the Jonathan Mason camp that expose his unserious campaign that clearly aims to bully and intimidate in hopes to win.”
After being contacted by the Helton campaign, the Tennessee Right to Life issued a statement to the Mason campaign to correct the false allegation in the news release due to its incorrect nature. In response, the Tennessee Right to Life has been informed that the Mason campaign will remove the inaccurate claims and issue a corrected press release to the local media.
“Politics aside, to make statements that are absolute lies that smear my Christian faith won’t be tolerated. Mr. Mason’s campaign has proven that he’s not to be trusted and is motivated by the desire for political power,” Helton concluded. “I ask the voters of District 30 to reject a desperate politician. You truly deserve better.”
Republican Helton was elected to serve on the non-partisan East Ridge City Council in 2016. Since taking office, she has proven her conservative credentials as a fighter of tax increases, supporter of the 2nd Amendment as a member of the NRA and a gun-owner, and a fighter against big insurance that wants to control your healthcare decisions. In addition, Helton has been chosen as a Republican delegate on four separate Hamilton County Republican conventions where she has pledged her support of the Republican Party platform, which is pro-life and opposes the use of taxpayer dollars to fund abortions.
Early Voting for the August GOP Primary begins on Friday, July 13 and continues through Saturday, July 28. Election Day for the August GOP Primary is Thursday, August 2.
