Sunny Sahu.JPG

Sunny Sahu poses in a portrait provided to the Kalamazoo Gazette. (Courtesy)

(Courtesy photo)

KALAMAZOO, MI - Sunny Sahu's campaign said he can "absolutely be bonded" after the Kalamazoo County Republican Party questioned if past tax and legal problems would prevent the Democratic candidate for county treasurer from doing the job if he were to be elected.

Sahu faced a $48,558 federal tax lien that was discharged in 2013 and a $58,314 lien that was discharged this Oct. 12, according to the Oakland County register of deeds. Sahu, 41, was a resident in Farmington Hills when the taxes were due and now lives in Portage.

In 2008, Sahu was charged with driving while under the influence in Southfield, and after pleading no contest was sentenced to eight days in jail and a year of probation.

Campaign Manager Jen Judd said she checked with a high-level Michigan State Farm Insurance agent and "numerous other sources" who verified Sahu would be able to be bonded if he becomes county treasurer. Bonding provides coverage for residents who suffer financially due to theft or fraudulent acts by county officials.

"(The agent) said he can be blanket bonded, he can get a personal bond, he can absolutely bonded," Judd said. "What stops you from being bonded (is) if you've been (convicted of) theft, fraud, those types of (convictions)."

Judd said even if he had a tax lien, Sahu would still be able to be bonded. A drunken driving charge would not prevent him from being bonded either.

"He was a small business owner, he was a partner at Miller Canfield; they carry a little bit of tax debt at times, Judd said. "There's a difference between having a lien and not being in good standing (with the IRS). He has been making payments and paid this off at the end of October."

Sahu is running for Kalamazoo County treasurer Nov. 8 against Mary Balkema, the Republican incumbent. Kalamazoo County Republican Party Chairman Scott McGraw had put out statement saying Sahu would not be able to be bonded if he worked as treasurer.

Sahu, who is deputy city attorney in Battle Creek, holds a law degree and an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. He practiced at a Los Angeles law firm from 2004-06 before returning to Michigan to practice at Miller Canfield Paddock & Stone.

In August, Sahu defeated James Jackson in the Democratic primary for Kalamazoo County treasurer.