Free Republic

RICHMOND — A state report linking Virginia cigarette smuggling to terrorist organizations has prompted a Republican state senator to push a bill that would require retailers and wholesalers to obtain a state license to sell cigarettes. The bill, from Sen. Bryce E. Reeves (R-Spottsylvania), has cleared the Senate, but odds are against it in the GOP-dominated House because of conservative objections to increased government regulations and taxes. Even in the more moderate Senate, eight conservative Republicans voted against it. They are a group that Reeves, a fiscal and social conservative, often votes with. “I think they are concerned about regulatory...

NASHVILLE - Prospects for passage of legislation allowing Tennesseans to buy wine over the Internet may have diminished because of an organized attack from a group that is apparently sponsored by wine and liquor wholesalers opposing the bill. Using a Web site, direct mail and faxes, Tennesseans Against Teen Drinking has prompted a flood of e-mails and calls to legislators from citizens whom legislation sponsors say are being misled and misinformed. The Web site, www.stopteendrinkingtn.org, includes statements attacking both Internet wine sales legislation and a bill allowing the sale of wine in grocery stores. It also allows viewers to automatically...