RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
And in Washington State today, voters are deciding whether to privatize the sale of hard liquor. Now spirits are only available through state-run or contract liquor stores. Leading the fight to end the state's monopoly is the big wholesaler Costco. From the Northwest News Network, Austin Jenkins reports.
AUSTIN JENKINS, BYLINE: The Costco-backed measure would close state stores and allow some 1,400 private retailers to get in the business. At its heart, Initiative 1183 is a deregulation fight. But turn on the TV and you'll see dueling ads featuring firefighters and nurses.
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