The Washington Post published some good news today--some Virginia Republicans appear to be very skeptical about Governor McDonnell's plan to privatize ABC stores. Delegate Bob Marshall of Prince William County (R) has even said that he wants to make sure"...residents support abolishing a system that was first established by a statewide vote. He's considering introducing a bill to require a referendum on the idea, a step
McDonnell has said he believes is unnecessary." Other Republicans said that they were concerned that large retailers (i.e., Wal-mart, Costco) selling liquor could make it impossible for small establishments to compete or that the privitazation process might not be the moneymaker McDonnell says it will be. This is really good news for thoughtful people who do not want to jump at changing a system that works well, brings money into the state's general fund, and is corruption free. Additionally, more access and increased advertising may promote substance abuse, a very real problem in Virginia.