Michael Sullivan: Biden's ATF nominee would compromise agency's mission. Here's how

David Chipman's partisan advocacy is his right as a private citizen, but engaging in his specific advocacy means his ability to objectively carry out the constitutional and legal responsibilities of the ATF, and effectively lead the more than 5,000 men and women who serve there, will be questioned both within and outside of ATF.

 James Baker III, chief of staff to both Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, was quoted in 2017 giving applicable advice to then-incoming White House chief of staff Gen. John Kelly. Baker reportedly said, "You can focus on the ‘Chief,’ or you can focus on the ‘of Staff.’  Those who have focused on the ‘of Staff’ have done pretty well."  ATF’s reputation is dependent on remaining an apolitical, unbiased and fair law enforcement and regulatory agency. Since retiring from ATF, Chipman has been a registered lobbyist, first with Everytown for Gun Safety and more recently as a lobbyist, policy director and spokesperson for the Giffords gun control group. Unfortunately, based on his strongly held personal beliefs, his focus – if confirmed to lead ATF – would be on the "Chief," not "of Staff."