Summary of March 6, 2026 Cease and Desist Letter
The Osage County Republican Central Committee (OCRC) is concerned about information from a potential Republican candidate indicating the clerk encouraged bypassing our nomination process, advising that submitting paperwork and fees to her office is sufficient for ballot placement.
The clerk’s statement in the Unterrified Democrat (March 4, 2026) — “Presiding Commissioner Griffin filed all of the paperwork required by state statute, including the filing fee, which I remitted to the committee treasurer … within 4 business days” — implies her actions granted nomination, which is inaccurate.
If advising Republican candidates that she has authority to determine the Republican ticket, the clerk is mistaken. RsMO 115.357s paragraph 2 mentions an “official” but does not equate it to the clerk; it allows submission to the official accepting the declaration, who must promptly[2] forward to the committee treasurer. This is logistics, not nomination authority.
OCRC Nomination Process OCRC determines its nomination process. We use vetting, but could use any method (e.g., coin flip). The clerk has no authority to approve or make nominations on our behalf.
Candidate Declaration Forms state: “…I further declare that if nominated and elected to such office…” Submission does not grant nomination — it’s merely filed (RsMO 115.355[3]).
Forwarding fees does not secure nomination; that’s the committee’s decision. Giving false assurances has serious implications.
The committee alone handles nominations, per statutes like RsMO 115.363–115.379 (none give clerks authority).
OCRC process began in 2023; in 2024, 8 candidates were nominated. For 2026, it’s online since January 13 (76 days available for candidates to complete).
Successful candidates receive nomination and pay filing fees (online or mail; no in-person/cash).
Examples: Valerie Prater and John Glavin nominated after completing process.
2026 Nominations As of March 6, 2026: Valerie Prater (Treasurer), John Glavin (Presiding Commissioner). Rejected: Darryl Griffin (returned fee).
Deadline Nomination process deadline: 5:00 p.m. March 29.
