OCRC’s Sunshine Library – Historical Documents and Records

OCRC rejects “outsider” claims in UD publications, defends candidate nomination process, and warns of risks to Republican Party integrity from bypassing party vetting.

March 10, 2026 press release announcing OCRC’s return of filing fees to six candidates who did not complete the nomination process. Lists candidates (Brooke Dudenhoeffer, Maryann Jacquin, Sonya Brandt, Amanda Grellner, Denise Nolte, Carrie Muenks) and instructs clerk not to place them on the Republican primary ballot. Emphasizes committee’s authority under Missouri law.

March 10, 2026 letters from OCRC to 6 candidates returning their undeposited checks, did not complete vetting: Brooke Dudenhoeffer (County Clerk), Mary Ann Jacquin (Circuit Clerk), Sonya Brandt (Circuit Judge), Denise Nolte (County Collector), Carrie Muenks (County Recorder), and Amanda Grellner (Prosecuting Attorney). Letters state no nomination granted, and instruct the clerk not to place names on Republican ballot.

March 10, 2026 cover letter from OCRC to Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer enclosing copies of letters to 6 candidates who were NOT nominated for office and their undeposited checks returned to them (Carrie Muenks, Denise Nolte, Brooke Dudenhoeffer, Maryann Jacquin, Sonya Brandt, Amanda Grellner). Instructs the clerk not to place their names on the Republican primary ballot (citing RsMO 115.357.5).

March 9, 2026 letter from OCRC Treasurer Craig Rantz to John Grady enclosing a $100 campaign contribution for his 2026 State Representative 61st district candidacy. The letter explains OCRC’s mission to recruit and support conservative candidates, offers office space for campaign materials, and invites him to Trump Day Dinner.

March 9, 2026 letter from OCRC Treasurer Craig Rantz to John Glavin enclosing a $100 campaign contribution for his 2026 Presiding Commissioner candidacy. The letter explains OCRC’s mission to recruit and support conservative candidates, offers office space for campaign materials, and invites him to Trump Day Dinner.

March 7, 2026 press release announcing OCRC’s cease and desist letter to County Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer for reportedly advising Republican candidates to bypass the committee’s nomination process. The release explains party nomination rights under Missouri law, lists 2026 nominations (Valerie Prater, John Glavin), and demands the clerk cease inaccurate advice.

March 7, 2026 1st class cover letter from OCRC Chairwoman Linda Rantz to Carrie Muenks attaching the March 6 cease and desist letter to the clerk. The letter urges review of the Candidate Declaration Form (“if nominated”), provides scenarios on nomination risks, clarifies committee authority, lists current nominations, reminds of March 10 filing fee return deadline, and warns against relying on lobbyist/clerk advice.

March 7, 2026 1st class cover letter from OCRC Chairwoman Linda Rantz to Maryann Jacquin attaching the March 6 cease and desist letter to the clerk. The letter urges review of the Candidate Declaration Form (“if nominated”), provides scenarios on nomination risks, clarifies committee authority, lists current nominations, reminds of March 10 filing fee return deadline, and warns against relying on lobbyist/clerk advice.

March 7, 2026 email from OCRC Chairwoman Linda Rantz to Denise Nolte attaching the March 6 cease and desist letter to the clerk. The email urges review of the Candidate Declaration Form (“if nominated”), provides scenarios on nomination risks, clarifies committee authority, lists current nominations, reminds of March 10 filing fee return deadline, and warns against relying on lobbyist/clerk advice.

March 7, 2026 email from OCRC Chairwoman Linda Rantz to Sonya Brandt attaching the March 6 cease and desist letter to the clerk. The email urges review of the Candidate Declaration Form (“if nominated”), provides scenarios on nomination risks, clarifies committee authority, lists current nominations, reminds of March 10 filing fee return deadline, and warns against relying on lobbyist/clerk advice.

March 7, 2026 email from OCRC Chairwoman Linda Rantz to Amanda Grellner attaching the March 6 cease and desist letter to the clerk. The email urges review of the Candidate Declaration Form (“if nominated”), provides scenarios on nomination risks, clarifies committee authority, lists current nominations, reminds of March 10 filing fee return deadline, and warns against relying on lobbyist/clerk advice.

March 7, 2026 email from OCRC Chairwoman Linda Rantz to Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer forwarding a digital copy of the March 6 cease and desist letter. The email asks for confirmation of receipt.

March 6, 2026 cease and desist letter from OCRC to Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer addressing reports of her advising Republican candidates to bypass the committee’s nomination process. The letter clarifies RSMo 115.357 as a logistics statute for forwarding fees (not granting nominations), explains OCRC’s nomination process, lists current 2026 nominations (Valerie Prater for Treasurer, John Glavin for Presiding Commissioner), and demands she cease providing inaccurate advice.

March 5, 2026 receipt issued to John Glavin confirming $100 filing fee payment after successful vetting and nomination for Presiding Commissioner. Certifies completion of vetting, receipt of fee, and eligibility to appear on the ballot as a Republican.

March 5, 2026 letter to John Glavin confirming successful vetting completion and nomination for Presiding Commissioner. Certifies alignment with Republican principles, provides filing fee payment instructions, and invites to Trump Day Dinner. This confirms the committee’s nomination decision for Glavin.

Confirmation email sent to John Glavin on March 5, 2026, upon submission of OCRC Vetting Part 1 (notification and platform alignment review). Confirms receipt and reminds of Part 2 (REPACCMO Questionnaire).

March 3, 2026 update to SOS complaint. Filing fees were mailed only 36 minutes after the clerk received notice of the complaint — described as an “extreme coincidence.” Clerk later claimed she was at a doctor’s appointment with no email access. Late forwarding does not cure the violation of RsMO 115.357 and 115.637(12).

March 4, 2026 reply from Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer to OCRC’s complaint email: “Please note that at the time of your emailed notice of complaint, I was at a doctor’s office visit with [redacted] with no access to email. Security footage can verify that for you.” No rebuttal to the underlying facts of the complaint.

March 3, 2026 formal letter to Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer confirming receipt of six filing fee checks in a handwritten envelope with no cover letter. Notes that postage was paid at 3:45 p.m. — 36 minutes after the clerk was emailed the SOS complaint. Clarifies that postal signature does not equal acceptance and that checks are held for 7 days pending vetting.

March 3, 2026 email from OCRC Chairwoman Linda Rantz to Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer forwarding a digital copy of the March 3 letter regarding filing fee checks received. The email notes the 7-day hold and attaches letters to candidates who submitted fees.

March 3, 2026 letter to non-incumbent candidate Mary Ann Jacquin notifying that her filing fee check was received from the clerk but does not constitute acceptance. Check held for 7 days until March 10. Raises taxpayer funds concerns and reminds her of the February 26 instructions (attached as page 2). Copy of check enclosed.

March 3, 2026 letter to non-incumbent candidate Carrie Muenks notifying that her filing fee check was received from the clerk but does not constitute acceptance. Check held for 7 days until March 10. Raises taxpayer funds concerns and reminds her of the February 26 instructions (attached as page 2). Copy of check enclosed.

March 3, 2026 email from OCRC Chairwoman Linda Rantz to Amanda Grellner notifying that her filing fee check was received from the clerk but does not constitute acceptance. Check will be held for 7 days until March 10. Attaches notice, January 31 letter, and check copy.

March 3, 2026 letter to Amanda Grellner notifying that her filing fee check was received from the clerk but does not constitute acceptance. Check held for 7 days until March 10. Vetting must be completed or check returned. Copy of check enclosed.

March 3, 2026 letter to Denise Nolte notifying that her filing fee check was received from the clerk but does not constitute acceptance. Check held for 7 days until March 10. Vetting must be completed or check returned. Copy of check enclosed.

March 3, 2026 email from OCRC Chairwoman Linda Rantz to Denise Nolte notifying that her filing fee check was received from the clerk but does not constitute acceptance. Check will be held for 7 days until March 10. Attaches notice, January 31 letter, and check copy.

March 3, 2026 letter to Sonya Brandt notifying that her filing fee check was received from the clerk but does not constitute acceptance. Check held for 7 days until March 10. Vetting must be completed or check returned. Copy of check enclosed.

March 3, 2026 email from OCRC Chairwoman Linda Rantz to Sonya Brandt notifying that her filing fee check was received from the clerk but does not constitute acceptance. Check will be held for 7 days until March 10. Attaches notice, January 31 letter, and check copy.

March 3, 2026 letter to Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer confirming receipt of filing fee checks but clarifying that postal signature does not equal acceptance (of the nomination for any candidate). Checks held for 7 days pending vetting. Reiterates clerk’s duty to promptly forward fees and OCRC’s authority. Note: On February 24, 2026, OCRC requested updates on Republican filers; learned of Amanda Grellner and Denise Nolte only via envelope containing their checks — no official notice or cover letter.

Copy of the handwritten envelope from Osage County Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer’s office containing six filing fee checks and one $100 bill. No cover letter or notation included. Postage paid on March 3, 2026, at 3:43 p.m. — 36 minutes after receiving SOS complaint notice. Related to SOS complaint for failure to promptly forward fees.

Copies of the six filing fee checks (and one $100 bill) forwarded by Osage County Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer’s office on March 2, 2026. Each check noted “HOLD – DO NOT DEPOSIT, Pending Successful Completion of Vetting.” The $100 bill from Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin noted as a violation of RsMO 130.031(2) (cash expenditures >$50). No cover letter. Related to SOS complaint for failure to promptly forward fees.

Screenshot of USPS tracking details for the certified envelope sent by Osage County Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer’s office to OCRC on March 2, 2026. Postage paid at 3:43 p.m. — 36 minutes after OCRC’s 3:09 p.m. email notifying the clerk of the SOS election complaint they filed. Envelope contained six filing fee checks and one $100 bill. No cover letter included. Clerk replied on March 4 claiming she was at a doctor’s appointment with no email access. Related to SOS complaint for failure to promptly forward fees.

March 2, 2026 email from OCRC Chairwoman Linda Rantz to Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer forwarding a copy of the election complaint filed with the Missouri SOS regarding the clerk’s failure to promptly forward Republican filing fees (RsMO 115.357). The email attaches the full complaint and expresses trust in her cooperation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 2, 2026
The Osage County Republican Central Committee (OCRC) has filed a formal election complaint with the Missouri Secretary of State Elections Division against Osage County Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer for willful failure to promptly forward filing fees from Republican candidates to the OCRC Treasurer as required by RsMO 115.357.

No fees have been received as of March 2nd despite notice and multiple filings on February 24 and possibly thereafter. The complaint includes a detailed statement and exhibits. Full document available for download.

March 2, 2026 – Formal election complaint filed with Missouri Secretary of State Elections Division against Osage County Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer for willful failure to promptly forward filing fees from Republican candidates to the OCRC Treasurer as required by RsMO 115.357. Includes detailed statement of facts, timeline, and exhibits showing prior notice and non-compliance.

February 26, 2026 letter to Mary Ann Jacquin congratulating her on filing and providing the OCRC vetting informational sheet omitted by the County Clerk. Explains the two-part vetting process, filing fee requirements under RsMO 115.357, and that no fees have been forwarded by the clerk to date. Encourages completion of vetting by March 29 deadline.

February 26, 2026 letter to Carrie Muenks congratulating her on filing and providing the OCRC vetting informational sheet omitted by the County Clerk. Explains the two-part vetting process, filing fee requirements under RsMO 115.357, and that no fees have been forwarded by the clerk to date. Encourages completion of vetting by March 29 deadline.

February 26, 2026 letter sent certified mail to Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin notifying him that OCRC has rejected his 2026 Republican candidacy for Presiding Commissioner. The rejection is final due to failure to complete vetting, remit filing fee, and his history of antagonism toward the committee since December 2023, including public disparagement of the vetting process. References Missouri law and party authority to avoid unwanted associations.

Official February 26, 2026 letter from OCRC to Osage County Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer notifying her of the committee’s rejection of Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin’s 2026 Republican candidacy. The letter directs the clerk not to place Mr. Griffin on the ballot under the Republican label and requests prompt forwarding of any filing fee received. Cites RsMO 115.357 and the committee’s First Amendment rights. Certified copy sent; SOS cc’d.

February 26, 2026 – For Immediate Release: The Osage County Republican Central Committee (OCRC) has rejected Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin’s 2026 candidacy under the Republican label. The decision is final, based on failure to complete vetting, remit filing fee to the Treasurer, and reported plans to use taxpayer funds to challenge the committee. This is especially concerning with two tax-relief initiatives on the April ballot. Full press release text and related documents in the Library.

Confirmation email sent to John Grady on February 25, 2026, upon submission of OCRC Vetting Part 1 (notification and platform alignment review). Confirms receipt and reminds of Part 2 (REPACCMO Questionnaire).

February 24, 2026 notes from clerk’s office. Clerk repeatedly stated “I’m just doing what I’m told” by Travis Elliott (Clerk’s Association lawyer) and a commissioner. When asked if the county would spend taxpayer dollars on legal fees for the commissioner, she shrugged. Confirmed only Valerie Prater had a committee receipt; no filing fees were forwarded.

February 24, 2026 letter from OCRC Treasurer Craig Rantz to Valerie Prater enclosing a $100 campaign contribution for her 2026 County Treasurer candidacy. The letter explains OCRC’s mission to recruit and support conservative candidates, offers office space for campaign materials, and invites her to Trump Day Dinner.

Time-stamped list (14:52 on February 24, 2026) provided by Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer to OCRC showing seven Republican filers. Only Valerie Prater had a committee receipt at the time. The clerk confirmed “quite a few” had filed but did not hand over any filing fees. Related to SOS complaint for failure to forward fees and Contemporaneous Notes.

February 17, 2026 receipt issued to Valerie Prater confirming $100 filing fee payment after successful vetting and nomination for County Treasurer. Certifies completion of vetting, receipt of fee, and eligibility to appear on the ballot as a Republican.

February 12, 2026 letter to Valerie Prater confirming successful vetting completion and nomination for County Treasurer. Certifies alignment with Republican principles, provides filing fee payment instructions, and invites to Trump Day Dinner. This confirms the committee’s nomination decision for Prater.

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Confirmation email sent to Denise Nolte on February 6, 2026, upon submission of OCRC Vetting Part 1 (notification and platform alignment review). Confirms receipt and reminds of Part 2 (REPACCMO Questionnaire).

Confirmation email sent to Valerie Prater on March 5, 2026, upon submission of OCRC Vetting Part 1 (notification and platform alignment review). Confirms receipt and reminds of Part 2 (REPACCMO Questionnaire).

January 31, 2026 letter to State Representative Bruce Sassmann inviting him to participate in the 2026 vetting process (noted as optional for state offices) and mentioning the April 30 Lincoln Day Dinner speaking opportunity. Sassmann did not participate in vetting in 2024.

January 31, 2026 letter sent to Senator Ben Brown from Osage County. Thanks him for participating in 2024 vetting, invites him to complete the 2026 process (noted as optional for state offices), and mentions the April 30, 2026 Lincoln Day Dinner speaking opportunity for vetted candidates. Encloses current vetting instructions.

January 31, 2026 letter sent to all incumbent Republican county officials up for re-election explaining that the OCRC will again require vetting for the 2026 cycle. Includes key filing fee payment instructions (Square link or mail to Treasurer) and states that vetting is mandatory for any candidate to appear on the ballot as a Republican. This is the original notice referenced in all March 3, 2026 follow-up letters.

Letter from OCRC Chair Linda Rantz to Osage County Clerk dated January 14, 2026, notifying her that the committee will be vetting Republican candidates for 2026. The letter states that vetting will be online only and that an instruction sheet will be provided for candidate packets. No response was received from the clerk.

Official 2026 instructions from the Osage County Republican Central Committee for candidates seeking to file as Republicans. This document outlines the mandatory two-part vetting process (Part 1: OCRC Notification & Platform Alignment Review; Part 2: REPACCMO Questionnaire & Pledge), key deadlines (March 29 cutoff), receipt requirements, and payment instructions for partisan offices. Required for ballot placement under the Republican label. Download for full details.

Email from OCRC Chair Linda Rantz to Osage County Clerk on December 12, 2025, notifying her that the committee will be vetting Republican candidates for 2026. The email states that vetting will be online only and that an instruction sheet will be provided for candidate packets.

September 29, 2025 statement from OCRC holding Republican elected officials to high standards. Responds to a UD article (September 24, 2025) and commission meeting minutes (September 16, 2025) where a commissioner accused an Osage County resident of posting “lies and misinformation” about Senate Bill 190 (property tax freeze for seniors). Calls for an apology, explains SB 190, notes referendum signatures needed (391), and announces OCRC’s position statement and informational meeting with Dennis Ganahl.

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Email thread between Osage County Clerk, Brooke Dudenhoeffer, and Linda Rantz on June 3 to 11, 2025, inquiring about the vetting process and Republican Party requirements for 2026. The clerk states she is “entertaining the idea of running for County Clerk in 2026” and wants to ensure all requirements are met. This is the first email in the chain that later confirms she is asking as a potential candidate.

May 17, 2024 Cole County Circuit Court judgment in Missouri Republican Committee v. Secretary of State and Darrell McClanahan III. The court denied the party’s late attempt to remove the candidate after accepting his fee, but included key language affirming that political parties may reject filing fees — and deny ballot access under the party label — for candidates who do not complete prescribed vetting. Excerpt: “…segments of the Missouri Republican party have already adopted a policy of rejecting filing fees from any candidate who has not completed a prescribed vetting process. The Plaintiff could have chosen to avoid potentially unwanted associations by rejecting filing fees…” Full PDF available.