Led by the Roadkill Caucus of conservative Democrats (see Rick Bender's column), majority Democrats in both houses decided 2010 was the year to pursue privatization of our state-run liquor store system.

Legislation to do this has been introduced and rejected just about every year since the state began operating liquor stores in 1933. Most years the idea hasn’t generated enough support to merit a hearing, much less a vote. The last time liquor privatization advocates succeeded in getting it on the ballot in the 1970s, voters resoundingly rejected it. Subsequent initiative efforts couldn’t get the necessary signatures.

But this year, in a short 60-day session focused on resolving a $2.8 billion revenue shortfall, some Democrats decided it was time to earn bona fides with the anti-government crowd. Several liquor privatization bills, sponsored by both Republicans and Democrats, were filed. In legislative hearings, representatives of liquor store employees and distribution warehouse workers (UFCW Local 21 and WPEA/UFCW Local 365) made a strong case for keeping our successful state-run system.

Task forces have repeatedly determined that private stores would not create more revenue for the state in the short or long term. What it would accomplish is the elimination more than 1,000 family-wage jobs. These experienced, safety-oriented state employees have the best compliance rate in the nation for preventing liquor sales to minors.

At the WSLC Legislative Conference on Feb. 11, Gov. Chris Gregoire expressed opposition to the effort.

"How much will (liquor store privatization) help us get out of this $2.8 billion shortfall? Zip," she said.

Although these bills died, were revived and died again during the regular session, the "Roadkill Caucus" of conservative corporate Democrats persisted with this effort in the special session. Ultimately, they succeeded in passing a budget proviso requiring a "pilot project" of privatizing at least 20 stores. An amendment by Rep. Brendan Williams (D-Olympia) to remove the proviso failed (see House Vote #10).