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RTD Virginia Politics

Governor says he'll renew push for ABC privatization

Credit: DEAN HOFFMEYER/TIMES-DISPATCH

Gov. Bob McDonnell's comments on alcohol sales privatization were made the same morning a new ABC store opened in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom.

By: Tyler Whitley | Times-Dispatch
Published: June 30, 2011

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Gov. Bob McDonnell said today he hopes to revive the ABC privatization issue at the next General Assembly.

“I have six months to talk to the legislators” and try to change some minds, McDonnell said on WRVA’s “Ask the Governor” radio show.

He did not say what form the new proposal would take. Proposals put to the 2011 General Assembly were soundly rejected.

“The government has no business selling Grey Goose (vodka) and Jack Daniel’s (whiskey),” he told a caller.

McDonnell again projected that the state will have a budget surplus and said some of that money would be used too shore up the Virginia Retirement System. The state’s fiscal year ends today. McDonnell has estimated a surplus of at least $200 million.

(This has been a breaking news update. Check back for more details as they become available. Read more in tomorrow's Richmond Times-Dispatch.)