A spokesman for Gov. Bob McDonnell said Thursday that if the administration chooses to move forward with its ABC privatization measure in the House, "we do have a sponsor ready to carry the legislation."
J. Tucker Martin added that the governor's office "will make any announcements on our course of action at the appropriate time."
McDonnell on Wednesday said he thought two senators would introduce the measure in that chamber, which is controlled by Democrats. When asked Wednesday whether the bill would be introduced in the House as well as the Senate, he said: "We're still working on that." He did not name a House sponsor.
Martin on Thursday said Del. L. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Prince William, would carry the bill in the House if it is filed there. Lingamfelter could not be reached for comment.
Martin released a statement on Thursday stating, "The legislation is starting in the Senate for the following reasons. Sen. (Mark D.) Obenshain, (R-Harrisonburg) has been a longtime proponent of ABC privatization. He has had legislation to accomplish this goal for years."
"Also, the strongest opposition to ABC privatization stems from Sen. Dick Saslaw" of Fairfax County "and a number of other Senate Democrats. This group of legislators has only one plan for transportation: Raise the gas tax. They have advocated for that position loudly and consistently. By introducing this bill in the Senate we are putting the ball in their court.
"They are free to vote no on ABC privatization; that is their right. But these Democrats must also say clearly why they are doing so."
Under the latest privatization plan, the state would retain control of the wholesale operation and privatize the retail portion to capture a windfall of $200 million to $400 million for transportation.
omeola@timesdispatch.com
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