The ATF hasn’t had a director for almost four years. Former director Carl Truscott’s reign was marked by numerous complaints about misappropriation of funds and poor treatment of employees. Following his resignation in 2006, the parameters were changed, and Senate confirmation is now required for a nominee.
In the meantime, former prosecutor Michael Sullivan served as Acting Director, but was blocked from nomination for the permanent position. Sullivan resigned January 20th, 2009, the day President Obama was sworn in. Presumably, the idea was that the new President could find someone capable of passing confirmation hearings.
Andrew Traver isn’t that person.
At first blush, he’d seem an ideal nominee for Obama: he’s had peripheral involvement with several anti-gun organizations, and he’s certainly no friend to the 2nd Amendment. He’s part of the Chicago Machine, and he’s had at least one personal audience with the President.
All of which spells utter disaster by post-November math. This is exactly the sort of back-scratching cronyism the freshman class of conservatives has promised to rectify, and I see Traver quickly turning into a lightning rod for that. I spoke with one of my Senators about it, and he promised to block the confirmation, though he didn’t think it would even get that far. In fact, he expects a hold on the nomination very soon. Needless to say, the ILA is already circling the wagons.
The ATF itself? The reaction from one agent was, “we’ll wait and see.” The Bureau’s mission the last few years has been more about punishing street traffickers and felons in possession than it has been about hassling dealers or enacting new restrictions. Field offices are understaffed and overworked, and I’m to understand that the working environment is pretty grim. Anyone taking up the reins will have his hands too full solving internal disputes and logistical issues to do much in terms of changing the agency’s direction.
Let’s not forget that the contours of the 2nd Amendment have changed completely since Truscott stepped down four years ago. Any new restriction the ATF tries to enact will likely lead to a legal challenge. They know that. S. 941 is still floating around in the judiciary, and I expect it to pick up steam next session. If I were in Traver’s shoes, even with his proclivities, the last thing I’d want to do is rock the boat and attract even more ire.