Pat Herrity, the board’s lone Republican, said that legislation pairing a casino with a badly needed convention center merits real consideration.

He acknowledged that views are divided in the General Assembly and some are opposed to casinos but said that traditionally lawmakers have shown willingness to pass bills that let local jurisdictions make the decision for themselves.Īt a local level, several members of the county board of supervisors expressed willingness to support a referendum. Incoming Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell said it’s frustrating that Maryland generates tax revenue to pay for its schools with casinos that draw heavily on Virginia for their customer base. Marsden’s bill has support at the state and local level.