The Jasper County Republican Central Committee made the announcement of Secker’s nomination on their Facebook page on Monday.
The decision follows Ross signing the necessary petition for a court order requesting the removal of his name from the ballot, according to a press release from the Jasper County Missouri Republican’s Facebook page.
“Louise has demonstrated her commitment to the people of House District 161 through her years of service to our community,” Lynn Ragsdale, Chair of the Jasper County Republican Central Committee said in the press release.
Ross defeated Secker in the August primary election by just 33 votes.
It's unclear if the Missouri Secretary of State has received the necessary paperwork — they did not immediately respond to KRPS request for confirmation.
Ross was charged with conspiring to plant drugs in Secker’s purse or vehicle. He was arrested and held at Joplin City Jail on Wednesday last week.
A press release from United State’s Attorney’s Office for the western district of Missouri states Ross asked his campaign manager to plant a black nylon glove with cocaine and adderall at Secker’s house. The campaign manager provided the Joplin Police Department with the evidence, which eventually tested positive for cocaine and adderall. The campaign manager told investigators that he and Ross exchanged text messages where Ross requested he place the bag of drugs inside of the purse or vehicle of Secker. It was instructed to be done while Ross was on vacation. The Joplin Police Department contacted The Federal Bureau of Investigation on July 30.
Ross withdrew his name off the ballot on Friday. The Jasper County Republican Central Committee respected Ross’ decision, according to a press release from their Facebook page.
