The Washington Post is reporting that Gov. Bob McDonnell is going to take to the tour bus to sell his plan to get rid of state-run liquor stores as part of his effort to streamline state government.
The Virginia Republican cruised to victory last November, and one of his platforms planks included getting the state out of the liquor distribution business. The push is the focal point of McDonnell's effort to reform state government, but it's not a simple business because the industry makes the state about $120 million a year in pure profit.
McDonnell wants to get a upfront chunk of money for the licensing rights and also wants to make sure that the state doesn't lose money in the process. But that is not going to be simple and folks are going to be scrutinizing the math with a fine-tooth comb, because folks like Virginia Sen. Mark R. Warner- a supporter of the idea of privatization - are already wondering about the math. Warner called McDonnell's estimates for the upfront windfall "wildy optimistic."
And some folks are concerned that the state could go too far opening the door to private industry.The state currently operates 332 stores and the ballpark estimate for the amount of new retailers would be about 800 - including adding liquor aisles to grocery chains and big box outlets and also smaller convenience stores.
McDonnell appears to be holding the townhall meetings a little bit early in the debate - perhaps to snag some momentum and get the public behind the idea. But at the same time he doesn't know exactly what his commission plans to recommend so it's going to be probably short on specifics.
Either way mark your calendars - the townhall in Hampton Roads will be held in Norfolk on August 9 at Old Dominion University from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
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