Mr. Rivlin said that neither state elected officials nor Maryland's congressional delegation have been briefed on the proposal, although he said such discussions are being planned. Legislation in Congress is one option for gaining tribal recognition, he said.
Early reaction to the proposal from the racing industry was decidedly negative. Dennis C. McCoy, lobbyist for the Maryland Horsebreeders Association, said yesterday that casino gambling could ruin horse racing in Maryland.
"Every place you've had casino gambling, the racing industry has gone to hell in a hurry -- 20 [percent] to 30 percent losses," he said.
Mervin A. Savoy, who as tribal chairwoman for the Piscataway confederation signed a July 1993 agreement with Mr. Rivlin's firm, could not be reached for comment.
Ms. Savoy's group is not the only one claiming to represent the Piscataway in Maryland. Billy "Redwing" Tayac -- who is not involved in the casino proposal -- has long claimed to be chief of the Piscataway Nation here. He could not be reached.
Mr. Tayac's son, Mark Tayac, speaking as a representative of the Piscataway, said, "You have many, many non-Indian people trying to take advantage of Indian programs at the state, county and federal levels, . . . jumping on the Indian bandwagon trying to take advantage of situations economically."
