Via 1st Class Mail and Email OsageClerk@OsageCountyMO.gov
Ms. Brooke Dudenhoeffer
Osage County Clerk
PO Box 826
Linn, MO 65051
Dear Clerk Dudenhoeffer,
This letter serves as formal notice that the Osage County Republican Central Committee (OCRC) has received, via certified mail, an envelope containing filing fee checks for candidates seeking to run as Republicans in the 2026 election cycle.
Our secretary’s signature on the certified mail receipt was required solely to accept delivery of the envelope from the United States Postal Service. The signature does not constitute acceptance of any filing fee, acknowledgment of payment, or validation of any candidacy.
Per RsMO 115.357, Paragraph 2: “The required sum may be submitted by the candidate to the official accepting his or her declaration of candidacy.” If submitted to the clerk, the clerk’s duty is to promptly forward the fee to the committee treasurer. The clerk’s interaction in receiving and forwarding the filing fee does not constitute acceptance of the filing fee by the committee.
To date, no candidate for whom you forwarded a filing fee check has completed our vetting process, which is mandatory and of which they were duly notified. Any checks enclosed are being held for 7 calendar days (until March 10, 2026) to allow candidates to complete the required vetting process. If vetting is not successfully completed by that date, checks will be returned to the individuals.
We expect full compliance with your statutory duty to promptly forward fees. Any failure to do so will be addressed through appropriate channels including, but not limited to, elections complaints with the Missouri Secretary of State and Attorney General.
Kindly confirm receipt of this letter.
Sincerely,
/s/ Linda Rantz
Linda Rantz, Chairwoman
Osage County Republican Central Committee
cc: Missouri Secretary of State Elections Division (via email)
Craig Rantz, OCRC Treasurer (via email)
