National Harbor Hits Snag Over Alcohol

From court documents, it also appears the board tried to dislodge political opposition to the bill.

Jackson wrote an e-mail to state Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince George's) in March explaining that the board felt a bill creating a special license was a necessity for Gaylord. He also contacted a Gaylord executive and called the company's lawyer at home, urging them to lobby lawmakers for its passage. But the bill failed to receive support from other Prince George's delegates.

"It's a matter of legislative courtesy -- you know someone represents a district, you go to them first," said Del. Barbara A. Frush (D-Prince George's), chairwoman of the group.

Del. Marvin E. Holmes Jr. (D-Prince George's), a representative from central Prince George's who sponsored the bill, said National Harbor officials asked him to sponsor the bill because the issue came up during last year's election season, when it was not yet clear who would be elected from southern Prince George's.

Del. Veronica L. Turner (D-Prince George's), who represents the Oxon Hill area, where the National Harbor development is located, and who opposed the initial bill, said she plans to meet with National Harbor lobbyist Michael Arrington soon to talk about a bill that could be considered by the legislature when it meets in January. With the hotel scheduled to open in April, Gaylord would have a relatively short window of time before the April 7 end of the session.

Turner said her first hurdle will be to convince Muse, a prominent pastor, to sign on. A first-term senator, Muse won election last year even though Johnson, with whom Arrington is close, supported his opponent.

Arrington did not respond to a request for comment. Muse also declined to be interviewed but said through a spokeswoman that he is working with National Harbor to meet the community's needs.

A Prince George's judge is scheduled to hear arguments for the legal review of the board's actions Oct. 19.