Not a strong start for liquor privatization efforts.
  • Not a strong start for liquor privatization efforts.
Next up on the leaked Elway Poll findings: Initiative 1183, which would privatize liquor sales in Washington State and shutter those state-run liquor stores we all know and love/hate.

This measure has exactly 50 percent approval, according to the poll—not a strong start, especially when only 30 percent of those approving say they're "definitely" in favor (as opposed to "probably" in favor).

But here's the most interesting Elway finding, and one you might be surprised to see: In Seattle, 54 percent of respondents say they're opposed to the initiative. "Majorities in every other region of the state were in favor," the poll's own analysis states.

What's that about?

We now begin a possibly recurring feature called, with his blessing, Grandpa Goldy's Grump Corner.

What's that about, Grandpa Goldy?

Goldy: "What's it about? I'll tell you what it's about: Alcohol hurts kids! Alcohol preys on children! Children need to be saved! And you know where children live? In neighborhoods! Especially dense urban neighborhoods, where privatization would put liquor peddlers on every corner. Possibly in ice cream trucks too! Which is why—idiots—dense, urban, family-friendly Seattle opposes this thing. My back hurts from carrying this giant, heavy brain. Where's my long-term care worker? Is that the phone?

"Oh, and another thing: People in the sticks are sick of driving 100 miles to get a fifth of gin and then having to restrain themselves from chugging it on the long ride home. That's why they love this thing. Idiots. Time for my nap."