"As far as I could tell, Ashcroft was not a supporter of the AWB."
I don't remember him speaking on the issue at all. Since he worked for Bush, and Bush was for it, then I'd guess he'd be on Bush's side. I don't know.
I just don't understand why anyone is surprised at this. It's not as though Bush didn't make it clear how he felt.
I agree the same folks were surprised when Bush stated that he'd sign CFR if it reached his desk--it did and he did. Next up, amnesty...
That's precisely what Gonzales should have done -- stated that it was not his place to take sides on a purely political question.
He absolutely should not have sabotaged the GOP side by offering red-mean anti-gun-rights quotes, but that's exactly what he gratuitously chose to do.
I don't remember him speaking on the issue at all. Since he worked for Bush, and Bush was for it, then I'd guess he'd be on Bush's side.
The fact that he didn't say anything about it suggests that he was not a supporter of the President's point of view. When you agree, you say so. When you don't, you're a team player by keeping your mouth shut on the issue (after giving the President your best advice.)
So if Ashcroft disagreed with the President on the assault weapons ban, it is very likely that he would just not say anything about it.