AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The LePage administration says it will use the traditional request-for-proposals process in soliciting bids for Maine's wholesale liquor contract after lawmakers expressed concerns over the administration's proposal to directly negotiate the contract.

In a letter Wednesday, Financial and Administrative Services Commissioner Sawin Millett said his department decided last week to publish a request for proposals for the contract. Millett said the RFP process is the most fair and transparent.

The Bangor Daily News (http://bit.ly/UuOdnT) says Millett's letter was written in response to a letter from Sen. Roger Katz raising concerns over the administration's proposal to use a "negotiated bid" process.

The current liquor contract held by Maine Beverage Co. expires in 2014.

Officials hope a new contract brings in more money to the state and lowers prices to the consumer.

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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangordailynews.com