The Volokh Conspiracy - Do You Now Own, or Have You Ever Owned, a Gun?

The Politico reports on a curious addition to the Obama transition personnel questionnaire for potential appointees to the new Administration.

Tucked in at the end of the questionnaire and listed under "Miscellaneous," it reads: "Do you or any members of your immediate family own a gun? If so, provide complete ownership and registration information. Has the registration ever lapsed? Please also describe how and by whom it is used and whether it has been the cause of any personal injuries or property damage."

Paul Light, professor of public service at New York University, said there was no such question for potential appointees when President George W. Bush took office in 2000.

"It kind of sticks out there like a sore thumb," Light said.

He expressed uncertainty over why it was included but surmised it was out of an abundance of caution, a desire to avoid the spectacle of a Cabinet-level or other high-ranking appointee who is discovered to have an unregistered handgun at home.

"It's the kind of thing that, if dug out, could be an embarrassment to the president-elect," Light said.

UPDATE: Eugene posted about this here.

	[Jonathan Adler, November 21, 2008 at 1:52pm] Trackbacks Do You Now Own, or Have You Ever Owned, a Gun? The Politico reports on a curious addition to the Obama transition personnel questionnaire for potential appointees to the new Administration. Tucked in at the end of the questionnaire and listed under "Miscellaneous," it reads: "Do you or any members of your immediate family own a gun? If so, provide complete ownership and registration information. Has the registration ever lapsed? Please also describe how and by whom it is used and whether it has been the cause of any personal injuries or property damage." Paul Light, professor of public service at New York University, said there was no such question for potential appointees when President George W. Bush took office in 2000. "It kind of sticks out there like a sore thumb," Light said. He expressed uncertainty over why it was included but surmised it was out of an abundance of caution, a desire to avoid the spectacle of a Cabinet-level or other high-ranking appointee who is discovered to have an unregistered handgun at home. "It's the kind of thing that, if dug out, could be an embarrassment to the president-elect," Light said. UPDATE: Eugene posted about this here.