Sean P. Sullivan - Washington Wine Report Note: Site has moved to www.northwestwinereport.com

As mentioned previously, there had been some speculation about whether the state would announce which private company would receive a contract to distribute spirits in advance of Election Day in an attempt to influence Initiative 1183 voting. Well the state did make an announcement today, but it was a bit different than some expected.

According to the Associated Press, budget director Marty Brown recommended to Governor Christine Gregoire that neither of the two bids be accepted. Brown said there was not sufficient financial benefit to the state. No word yet, but presumably the state will attempt to solicit additional bids.

The privatization of spirits distribution was part of SB 5942 that passed in the state legislature earlier this year.

Read previous posts on Initiative 1183 here.