The Empire Page

Voters asked last week by the Siena College Research Institute whether they would favor permitting wine to be sold in grocery stores said yes by a 58-39 margin. Those in favor crossed all politial lines and did not vary by whether they live upstate or downstate. Only African Americans, Latinos and older voters were evenly divided.

It now remains to be seen whether the Legislature will respond to the majority of voters or to the narrow interests of the liquor store owners.