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Due to his tax history and an arrest record, Kalamazoo County Republican Party Chairman Scott McGraw is saying Sahu will not be bondable, a requirement for every employee of the Treasurer's Office. (Courtesy)

UPDATE: Sunny Sahu's campaign has checked with sources who say he can "absolutely" be bonded.

KALAMAZOO, MI - Past tax and legal problems could prevent the Democratic candidate for Kalamazoo County treasurer from doing the job if he were to be elected, the head of the county's Republican Party says.

Sunny 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.

Sahu is running for Kalamazoo County treasurer Nov. 8 against Mary Balkema, the Republican incumbent.

Due to his tax history and an arrest record, Kalamazoo County Republican Party Chairman Scott McGraw says Sahu will not be bondable.

County treasurers and their employees are required to be bonded, according to McGraw. Bonding provides coverage for residents who suffer financially due to theft or fraudulent acts by county officials.

"The question here is can he be elected and bonded?" McGraw said. "That would be a step backward for the county if we couldn't bond our treasurer. I just want everyone to be doing their job."

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.