(RALEIGH) -- Some top Republicans in the North Carolina Legislature say Gov. Beverly Perdue's opposition to getting government out of the liquor business does not mean the idea is dead. Incoming House Speaker Thom Tillis said looking at the ABC system is part of a broader effort to close a projected $3.7 billion budget gap.

"We need to take a look at any opportunities for privatization, private-public partnerships and anything that we can do that reduces the cost and limits the scope of government," said Tillis.

Incoming Senate Finance Committee co-chairman Bob Rucho also said he thinks the state could tap into more money than the $300 million Perdue suggested could be generated through privatization.