The Osage County Republican Central Committee
Introduction
The Osage County Republican Committee is the official Republican Party organization for Osage County, Missouri, as established by state statute. We are the voice of conservative values in our community — recruiting strong candidates, supporting Republican elected officials, conducting get-out-the-vote efforts, and working to ensure fair and secure elections.
Committee Positions
Unlike most Missouri counties that organize by precincts, Osage County is one of only a handful that still uses townships as its political subdivisions. This structure gives us 12 regular committee positions: one committeeman and one committeewoman from each of our six townships. In addition, we can have up to 12 auxiliary members (one man and one woman per township) who assist the regular members, participate in subcommittees, support events, and attend meetings to provide input (non-voting). Auxiliary members must still complete the vetting process but do not file with the county clerk.
Townships & Largest Towns
What We Actually Do
Being on the Committee — whether as a regular member, auxiliary member, or volunteer — is not a ceremonial or honorary role. It is a position of responsibility that requires real work. Our core duties include:
Elections & Voter Engagement
- Recruiting, training, and deploying election judges, challengers, watchers, and verification board members
- Get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts and lawful electioneering
- Working to ensure election integrity and fair processes
Party Voice & Advocacy
- Passing resolutions on key issues
- Communicating conservative principles to the public and elected officials
- Holding officials accountable when necessary (including censure)
- Conducting vetting for candidates seeking to run as Republicans
Events & Community Presence
- Organizing Trump (Lincoln) Day Dinner (our major annual fundraiser)
- Operating booths at the county fair and other events
- Recruiting strong conservative candidates
Communications & Digital Presence
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Maintaining the website and social media
- Producing educational content and responding to local issues
Subcommittees
Regular and auxiliary members are expected to actively participate on subcommittees — standing or special — as assigned by the Chair. This is where much of the real work gets done.
Meetings & Attendance
Members are expected to attend scheduled meetings. Consistent participation is essential to fulfilling our mission. Unexcused absences may lead to inactive status or removal from the committee.
How to Become a Committee Member
Missouri law sets basic eligibility requirements (age, residency, registered Republican voter). However, the Osage County Republican Committee has the legal authority to qualify members — meaning we have the right to determine who may affiliate with and represent our organization.
This authority is grounded in the U.S. Supreme Court’s recognition of a political party’s right of association. In practice, this means:
Important Note for Potential Committee Candidates
Joining the committee is not about gaining a “vote” or blocking others. It is about rolling up your sleeves and doing the work. We have only 12 regular positions and a very small active group. We need committed, hardworking members — not spectators.
Questions About the Committee
Vacancies are filled according to our bylaws and state law. The committee has the authority to appoint qualified individuals to fill unexpired terms.
Consistent attendance is expected. Unexcused absences may lead to inactive status or removal from the committee.
We welcome auxiliary members (up to one man and one woman per township) and volunteers! Auxiliary members assist regular members, participate in subcommittees, support events, and attend meetings to provide input (non-voting). You do not have to run for a full committee seat to contribute. Auxiliary members must still complete the vetting process but do not file with the county clerk.
Yes. All candidates for committee positions (regular or auxiliary) must complete the vetting process. (See our Vetting page for details.)
Yes. The committee has the legal right to determine who may affiliate with and represent the Republican Party in Osage County.
Elected officials may run for committee positions (as set forth in statute), but if they win and accept a partisan office, they will not be seated on the committee (per our bylaws). This rule ensures committee roles remain focused on Republican principles and committee work, not personal or partisan agendas. Non-partisan elected officials (e.g., school board members) are welcome to join as regular or auxiliary members and must meet the same eligibility and qualified status requirements as everyone else.
Eligibility is set by Missouri statute (basic requirements like residency and party registration). Qualification is the committee’s authority to decide who can represent us — based on alignment with conservative principles and commitment to the committee’s mission.
Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer) have additional responsibilities beyond regular committee work. They handle leadership, administrative duties, finances, and day-to-day operations. Officers are expected to devote significant time and effort to these roles — it is not a ceremonial position.
