Election results in four new legislators, two incumbents

By Ken Luchterhand




Winners of the June 6 election were certified at the Ho-Chunk Election Board special certification meeting on Wednesday, June 7, at Comfort Inn and Suites, Black River Falls.
Winners in the election are Karena Thundercloud, Hinu Helgesen Smith, Kristin White Eagle, Carly Lincoln, Kathyleen LoneTree-Whiterabbit, and Matt Mullen.
The Election Board certified the results from each polling place. It was reported that eight ballots were spoiled due to errors made by voters and replacement ballots were given, and two ballots were challenged.  One of the challenged ballots was because of a voter was attempting to vote out of the area of residence without changing the listed address and the other was because the voter was in the facility and wanted to vote 20 seconds after the closing time.
The Election Board did not accept the ballot from the person voting out of the area, however, the other ballot by the late voter was accepted because the doors were not locked precisely at 7 p.m.
Members inspected each of 63 absentee ballots for correct dates and Notary Public certification, plus if each absentee voter was not listed on the records of people who voted at the polls. All 63 absentee ballots were deemed acceptable and correct, so those ballots were counted.
The votes were tabulated and the candidates with the most votes were nominated for the legislative seats, then voted upon and confirmed.
In District 1, Seat 1, Karena Thundercloud was declared the winner with 226 votes or 59.16 percent of the vote while challenger Willette Greengrass received 156 votes, or 40.84 percent of the vote.
In District 1, Seat 3, Hinu Helgesen Smith was declared the winner with 217 votes or 56.96 percent of the vote while challenger Cari Fay received 164 votes, or 43.04 percent of the vote.
In District 2, Seat 2, Kristin White Eagle was declared the winner with 235 votes or 63 percent of the vote while challenger Roberta Decorah received 138 votes, or 37 percent of the vote.
In District 2, Seat 3, Carly Lincoln was declared the winner with 212 votes or 57.14 percent of the vote while challenger Winona Mann received 159 votes, or 42.86 percent of the vote.
In District 5, Seat 1, Kathyleen LoneTree-Whiterabbit was declared the winner with 78 votes or 52.35 percent of the vote while challenger Joe Brown Thunder received 71 votes, or 47.65 percent of the vote.
In District 5, Seat 4, Matt Mullen was declared the winner with 79 votes or 53.38 percent of the vote while challenger Patrick Red Eagle received 69 votes, or 46.62 percent of the vote.
There were 1,804 votes cast for legislators in the June 6 election.
After the election, Matt Mullen expressed his gratitude toward the voters.
“Your support, trust and faith in my ability to take great actions for the Nation has meant the world to me and you have given me the strength and courage to carry on with righteousness and good sense,” Mullen said. “I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for the Ho-chunk Nation, my heart has no bottom.”
Kristin “Wipamakereiga" White Eagle said she is thankful the voters have placed their trust in her.
"Hanac hinikaragiwi!” White Eagle said of her victory. “I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the voters for electing me to our Legislature. I am honored and humbled that you've placed your trust in me. With your trust, I will work to help address challenges, and to secure lasting and meaningful improvements to our quality of life. Wainiiginapsanawi!”
Likewise, Carly Lincoln wanted to express her thanks to the people who supported her.
“I am deeply honored by the trust that was given to me on June 6, 2017,” Lincoln said. “District 2 voter support is a privilege I do not take lightly.  I know the family that is no longer with us is watching and proud. I owe them so much, and at this moment, I feel their absence.  With them and you in mind, thank you. I am so proud to be a Representative of the Ho-Chunk Nation, and I will represent you to the very best of my abilities.”
District 5 incumbent Kathyleen LoneTree-Whiterabbit won four more years on the legislature.
“So please know that I am so deeply humbled and honored to be able to serve our great Ho-Chunk Nation for one last term, and I was very cheered and gladdened by all the congratulatory Facebook posts, emails, texts, and phone calls - it is very encouraging to hear from so many of our people, the younger generation, and the elders,” LoneTree-Whiterabbit said.
“And a special thank you to all voters.  This has to be a record turnout of voters at the polls and absentee ballots. Pi na gi gi to all the candidates who bravely sought elected office, may your good hearts 'nacge pi' guide you in your future endeavors.  I stand committed to continue with the ongoing initiatives to improve the quality of life and prosperity for all our Ho-Chunk people to enjoy for the future.  In closing, I share this blessing with all of you.”
Hinu Helgesen Smith thought about the past leadership and was thankful to step into the new leadership.

“Thank you to each and every one of the previous Ho-Chunk Nation legislators and Wisconsin Winnebago Business Committee members; you have left big shoes to fill, an amazing legacy to follow, and a strong foundation to build upon,” Helgeson Smith said.

“Thank you, constituency, I look forward to serving our Nation well, and working with current and upcoming legislators. Wa'iniginapwi!”

A swearing in ceremony is scheduled for 11 am on Wednesday, July 5 at Ho-Chunk Gaming-Wisconsin Dells in the Lower Dells Ballroom.



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