Is it really standard procedure in Texas to scrub an incoming governor's

[Bandit]

driving record for security reasons. Did Ann Richards have her drivers license scrubbed and a new number issued like Bush* did? Bush* claimed it was done for security reasons and I wonder what security has to do with his driving record. Bush* now has Drivers License # 000000005. I find that interesting. Hmmmmm

[T Roosevelt]

1. Nope - not standard procedure

As I understand it, * was the first governor to do this.

[Bridget Burke]

2. Not for all governors, but it's a "special" privilege

"A Houston Press review of Texas driver's license numbers reveals that those in high places often have low numbers.

"'As a courtesy to various elected officials and to other government officials, we have from time to time offered them a lower driver's license number just as a courtesy, as something nice to do,' says DPS spokesperson Tela Mange.

"'Low numbers aid security details, she argues. 'There are a lot of documents that security folks have to fill out, so if they have a low number, it's easier for them to remember,' Mange says.

"'It sounds kind of silly,' she admits."

The whole article makes it seem a bit more than silly; the head of the DPS refused to discuss the matter with the Houston Press.

http://www.houstonpress.com/issues/2001-04-12/news.html/1/index.html

[Cat Atomic]

3. Hell, this is a campaign issue in itself.

I'd like to know if Tom Delay has something similar.

[Bandit]

4. Okay but does that scrub the previous record also?

I can sort of understand that as long as the record stays the same. I am under the impression that Bush* received a clean slate along with his new number.

[City Lights]

5. There's nothing standard about it.

Laura's was also scrubbed, although her new number isn't anywhere close to _shrub's, despite the fact that both new numbers were issued on 3-31-95.

[Brian Sweat]

6. Think about it for a nanosecond.

How would a governor's driving record pose a security risk?

[fob]

7. There could be an arrest or two that would make him

inelligible for NG service?