More than half of VA voters open to privatizing state liquor system, poll shows

By a margin of 57-35 percent, Virginians favor Gov. Bob McDonnell's plan to end the state-run liquor system and turn retail responsibilities over to private companies, according to a new poll released by a coalion of businesses that support (and likely would profit from) privatization.

The statewide poll results are based on telephone conversations with 600 likely voters conducted over a few days late last month. It has a 4 percent margin of error and was paid for by McDonnell's political action committee, Opportunity Virginia.

On the subject of privatization, respondants were asked this question:

"As you may know, Virginia owns all of the liquor stores in the state. Do you favor or oppose selling the state-owned ABC liquor stores with the revenues to be dedicated to transportation projects across the state.”

The poll found that 33 percent of those interviewed strongly support the concept, while another 23 percent were less firm in their commitment.

Among those who oppose the plan, 20 percent strongly reject the idea and 15 percent are somewhat against it. About 9 percent of those surveyed didn't express a definitive opinion.

Hampton Roads residents, who represent 20 percent of the poll sample, back the plan by a 59-35 percent split. A summary of the polls' findings -- such as responses broken down by political affiliation, geography and other categories -- are posted below. Crosstabs weren't furnished to reporters by pollsters, who also didn't specify what other questions were asked during the survey.

The poll's releases comes one day after McDonnell's administration removed two taxes initially built into the privatization package in an effort to strengthen support for it among certain interest groups.

That alone doesn't ensure its passage, however.

The governor must successfully guide the proposal through the General Assembly, whether in a special session he calls or at the next regular session.

UPDATE: Add former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder to the roster of those who support ending the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage control monopoly on distilled spirits sales.

Friday afternoon, the McDonnell administration released a statement from Wilder endorsing the concept.

-- Julian Walker

ABC Statewide Survey - September 25-27 2010 (Media Release)

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