LAW & ORDER
With 2018 around the corner, and current Attorney General Bill Schuette (R) term-limited and likely running for governor, Republicans and Democrats alike are getting their ducks in a row to see who can fill the state’s top legal advisor and chief law enforcement officer’s position as the new attorney general. Word is that state Speaker of the House Tom Leonard (R-DeWitt) wants to run for AG, is positioning himself, and his staff is getting ready – all that is needed is the announcement. He’s even appointed political consultant and former chief of staff and campaign manager to former governor John Engler, Dan Pero, as his chief of staff. Word is Pero is making lots of calls to raise money, but he’s never seen by other reps. Not all Republicans are fans of the current house leader, and will be backing state Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker (R-Lawton). “She’s awesome and well-balanced, from the west side of the state (near Kalamazoo). She’s conservative, a female, feisty, and she’s normal,” said one politico. “And she’s not out to hurt people.”