Better Call Saul: Anuzis Entangled In Alleged Russian Spy Drama (Kinda)

Anuzis with Butina

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Michigan Republican activists and leaders had a little fun with former Michigan Republican Party Chair Saul Anuzis  after news reports showed  Anuzis pictured with alleged Russian spy Maria Butina, who was recently charged in federal court.

"Watch your back for Mueller, Saul!" one person joked.

The woman in question has attended many conservative events and has pictures with dozens of prominent Republicans, including Rick Santorum and Gov. Scott Walker.

According to the Detroit Free Press:

"A former chairman of the Michigan Republican Party who was photographed with an accused Russian secret agent said Tuesday he’s met Maria Butina a couple of times but has never had much of a conversation with her.

A photograph of Saul Anuzis and Butina began circulating on social media Monday after the U.S. Justice Department announced Butina had been arrested and charged with conspiracy to act as an agent of the Russian Federation within the United States without prior notification to the Attorney General.

Anuzis said he remembers the photo being taken in 2016 or 2015 at the FreedomFest, an annual conservative gathering in Las Vegas.

"I met her a couple of times," Anuzis told the Free Press -- once at the FreedomFest and another time during a chance encounter at an airport. "I actually have never had much of a conversation with her, other than being introduced to her."

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com
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Developing: 39th District State House Primary To Replace Klint Kesto A Dead Heat, Trump Support High

From right: Tatulyan, Berman, Kosmatka

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

The race to replace State Rep. Klint Kesto in Oakland County is coming down to the wire, private polls show.

Two polls viewed by West Michigan Politics show the race a 3 way dead heat between Marsha Kosmatka, Kevin Tatulyan, and Ryan Berman.

Tatulyan is a small business owner and former Coalitions Director for President Trump in Michigan, Berman and Kosmatka are both lawyers.

The race is close between the three despite overwhelming establishment support for Kosmatka.

President Trump enjoys extremely high approval in the district at around 80%.

The 39th includes Wixom, West Bloomfield, Commerce Township, and Wolverine Lake.

The winner faces Mark Brewer staffer Jennifer Suidan in November in one of the state's most watched races.
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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com
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Sam Singh Snitches On Schuette: Goes Public With Rumor He May Have Been Under FBI Investigation Before Siemon's Request

Attorney General Schuette

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

One of Lansing's hottest rumors has been that Attorney General Schuette was already on the FBI's radar before the request by Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Siemon for the feds to investigate after Schuette's admission he used state employees in private real estate deals while on state time. 

He originally denied knowing anything about the deals.

Now Sam Singh, leader of the House Democrats, is going public with a question that has generated immense speculation.

"Everyone in town has heard the buzz that the investigation into Schuette started way before the Ingham prosecutor sent the most recent item to the FBI. #mileg"

Singh's comments come as the Schuette camp is attempting to paint Siemon and attorney Mike Nichols, who originally requested an investigation, as co-hosting a fundraiser together for Gretchen Whitmer despite the fact the event has 77 co-hosts. 77!

Stay tuned!

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com
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Randy Richardville Joins Scott Greenlee's Anti Marijuana Legalization Campaign

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Former State Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville has joined Healthy and Productive Michigan, the anti marijuana legalization group run by Scott Greenlee.

Greenlee praised Richardville in an announcement earlier this week.

 “I am thrilled to have someone of Randy’s experience join our team,” Greenlee said. “Randy brings a tremendous amount of knowledge, successful campaign experience, and contacts to Healthy and Productive Michigan.” 

The release says Richardville "is currently the President of RJames Consulting and resides in Monroe. Randy will assist the committee with Fundraising, as a Spokesperson, and with general strategy."

Richardville claims marijuana is a "bad thing" for Michigan

 “I’m happy to join this professional team and try to help voters understand why this ballot initiative is a bad thing for Michigan; especially for our young people and their future,”​ Richardville said.

The group was bolstered by a recent poll that showed marijuana legalization losing 47-44% despite a string of surveys showing support as high as 60% in recent years.

Stay tuned!
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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com
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New Schuitmaker Strategy In AG Race Is Smart, But Is It Too Late?

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Tonya Schuitmaker is a lot of things, but she's not stupid by any means.

That's why the only thing surprising about her new strategy is that it took her so long to start implementing it.

After months of absurd and bizarre attack mailers and digital ads against Speaker Tom Leoanrd, Schuitmaker has started to focus on a new target: radical leftist Dana Nessel, the Dem nominee for Attorney General.

It's a smart decision that allows Schuitmaker to start building herself up without tearing Leonard down. 

Many delegates were turned off by Schuitmaker's relentless and ruthless attacks, immensely puzzled as to why she never said anything positive about herself. She cost herself a lot of votes, no doubt about it.

Expect the attacks to be revived as August approaches. This race has been wild, and it will get nastier than ever near convention time, I'd surmise. In the meantime however, this is a wise pivot from Schuitmaker and her team.
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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com
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Sandy Pensler Joins Elon Musk, Commits $500k To Installing Flint Water Filters

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

US Senate candidate Sandy Pensler is joining Tesla and Space X leader Elon Musk, offering to help provide water filters for Flint residents impacted by the city's water crisis.

Pensler says he will throw down half a million dollars towards the initiative.


According to a press release:

"Elon Musk has a very interesting idea on how to ensure remaining homes get clean water—and to do it fast," Pensler said. "According to the EPA there has been tremendous progress in water quality, but by installing high end filtration systems at houses still under impact we can fix any remaining problems within a few days. To Elon, I will put $500,000 of my own funds behind this. Let’s be innovative. Everyone put politics aside and fix the remaining problems. Elon Musk has my support."

Pensler is battling Iraq War Vet John James for the Republican nomination to take on Sen. Debbie Stabenow in November.

Pensler specializes in turning around businesses on the verge of bankruptcy, James has been involved with his family's business since returning from Iraq.

The race has been heated and nasty, with Pensler attacking James for donating to a pro sanctuary city Democrat, and James responding by calling Pensler a "pro choice liberal."
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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com
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Dog The Bounty Hunter: Send Matt Maddock To Lansing

Maddock, right, with "The Dog"

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Matt Maddock, running for State House in Oakland County for the seat currently held by Jim Runestad, is arguably the strongest proven conservative on the ballot in 2018. 

Already well positioned for a big win in August, Maddock  just received one of the coolest endorsements of the cycle.

Duane Chapman, better known as "Dog The Bounty Hunter," is backing Maddock's candidacy. He even released a video with the candidate.

According to a press release:

"Matt Maddock, candidate for Michigan State House from District 44, has received the endorsement of Duane Chapman (a/k/a Dog the Bounty Hunter).

“If you know anything about Duane Chapman he has heart for the little guy and the people that are forgotten,” Maddock said. “Like Dog I will fight for the little guy, too.”

“I’m going to Lansing to represent the people to lower auto insurance rates and lower the cost of government.  I won’t be making many friends with the lobbyists and special interest groups,” Maddock said." 

The release notes Maddock has worked with Dog and his wife Beth, for decades.

"Dog and his wife Beth have served as industry leaders for many years.  Maddock has worked with them for nearly 30 years.  Beth Chapman is President of the Professional Bail Agents of the United States, an industry group. For eight seasons, Dog starred in a reality television series aired on A&E that chronicled his experiences as a bounty hunter."

Maddock is described as a " Milford resident and a conservative leader and activist."   

"He and his wife Meshawn own a small business located there.  He is a pro-Trump and pro-Second Amendment advocate. Learn more here www.MattMaddock.com."   

Maddock's main opponents include NORC Chair Matt Marko, and Lynn O'Brien, a former staffer for State Sen. Mike Kowall.

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com
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