>> Coming up next on "Need To Know."
The 2006 political battle lines are being drawn.
We'll talk about some highly-competitive races and others that seem anything but at this the early stage of campaign season.
Also, Rochester International Jazz Festival performer Rachel Z is here.
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Captioned by the National Captioning Institute -- www.ncicap.org --
>> THANKS FOR JOINING US, I'M JULIE PHILIPP.
The fifth annual Rochester International Jazz Festival is bringing a host of jazz greats to the city over the next week or so. We will meet one of them- and talk to the festival's Executive Director later in the show. But first, with all that's going on around the world, across the country, and in Washington these days the November elections seem to be taking on added significance this year.
The chair of the University of Rochester Political Science Department, Gerald Gamm, and Joseph Spector, political reporter for the "Democrat and Chronicle" are here to talk about that and to examine some of the races in our region.
thank you both for being here for this round table.
You keep hearing over and over the G.O.P. are giving out these negative vibes, and that this is the kind of environment where underfunded candidates can win, entrenched incumbents can lose.
Is that what's going on?
>> This is definitely a challenging year for the republican party.
President Bush's approval ratings are the lowest since Jimmy Carter.
And it's a great deal of dissatisfaction with the progress with the war in Iraq and the economy and gas prices.
Concern about corruption in Washington.
This is having an negative effect on how people perceive congress and republicans in congress.
The question is can Democrats do something with this?
>> You talk to the congressional candidates, the ones that are incumbents and they say all politics is local.
That means what are they doing for their district in which they serve?
Not so much what's going on nationally.
>> Well, there's early races in San Diego.
They really played up the illegal immigration issue in a state near the border, and that worked.
There's so many issues out there.
Ethics, war on terror, gas prices, what's going to resonate with the voters here?
>> So far it's been around jobs and taxes.
Talk about the economy.
Who is bringing jobs to this area.
One of the races that stems from fwoufl Rochester is a race that Congressman Reynolds now represents.
His opponent Jack Davis is a Buffalo area business man, and he's been focused on bringing jobs back to this area and Goings afternoon Reynolds' record where as Reynolds is saying I have brought jobs here.
And this is what I'm doing to keep them.
>> And Jack Davis is also talking not only about jobs but talks a lot about the war in Iraq and immigration.
>> So you think they are pulling in a lot of national issues that they are going to be able to pull this area?
>> Yes.
The big question right now is are politics going to stay local?
In most it's local.
In Tom Reynolds, who is chairing the effort by the republicans to support their races and maintain their majority, he's making the case that all politics are local and they will be decided district-by-district.
However, there are times when politics gets nationalized.
The best example of that is 1994 when Newt Gingrich asked republicans to rise up.
They nationalized the election and the republicans gained control of congress.
>> Are you seeing the Democrats being able to capitalize on it in the same way the republicans did then?
>> I don't see who the Newt Gingrich is of the democratic party right now.
I don't see Nancy Pelosi, for example, playing that role the way Newt Gingrich did then.
It's how much of the republican gains came about because of the dissatisfaction with Democrats.
>> And you wonder how something going on nationally is going to affect those locally.
>> What was the mood when -- I know when Elliott Spitzer came to town after the election, he was beaming.
>> Sure.
At the democratic convention it was more of a coronation for Hillary Clinton's re-election and then Elliott Spitzer.
At the republican cone vengeance it was a battle not only over the candidates but the ideology of the party.
You had two candidates for governor so the battle was not only for control of the party and who would be the candidate but what direction is the party going to go in?
>> Here there's no presidential race this year.
Seems like to gubernatorial one this year.
What's going to bring the voters out?
>> If they do come out, it's going to be passion about politics and especially passion about national politics.
People are paying attendance to congress now in a way they appear not to have in some time, and people are certainly paying attention to the presidency and the war and the economy, and to immigration now.
And turnout in an off-year election is always going to be less than it will be in a presidential year, but it does appear people are paying attention early, the fact that two parties poured so much into this race.
The republican party spent $5 million.
Democrats spent $2 million for a single seat in an off-year election suggests how seriously they will be taking these elections.
>> The first is the U.S. senate race Hillary Rodham Clinton has $40 million in her war chest.
She's got John Spencer and K.T. McFarland challenging her.
What do you think about that race?
>> Well, this week I mentioned bill Wells earlier.
He did end up dropping out of the governor's race here -- he tried to get K.T. McFarland to drop out as well to sort of focus their effort on beating Hillary Clinton who has a large lead in the polls and more money for that.
So those two will battle it out in the primary and the winner of that will face her.
>> What's the best they can do, bruise Hillary?
>> As far as I can tell, especially given the national climate, and Hillary being a Democrat in a year that's going to be better than average for Democrats.
The question I have is, is she going to get more or less than 60% of the votes?
If she gets less, that will be a victory for the republicans.
>> Is there anything going to a presidential election?
>> I suppose.
>> The republicans if they can't win would certainly like to --
>> Not let her shine all the way through.
>> OK two races we're going to next.
The 25 congressional district.
Tough republican incumbent against Dan move Faye?
And Paloma Capanna, a young woman.
>> That's a district that runs from Syracuse to Wester.
And it's other parts of Monroe County.
A longtime incumbent.
Powerful republican in congress and you have two newcomers there.
Might be headed to a primary then the winner would face Walsh.
But again, you talk about these races and the importance this year.
Walsh started running television ads already.
>> Starting early.
>> In this -- we agree this is a race that in a typical year we would not be paying attention to.
This would be an easy one for Walsh.
The question this year is how strong will the Democrats be able to be against Walsh and will they be able to take the seat?
>> The other one on the board.
26th congressional district.
Tom Reynolds and Jack Davids.
That was a tough race a couple years ago.
>> Yes.
Davis made a lot of people pay attention.
He spent $1.2 million of his own money then but Reynolds already has twice as much this year and brought Denny Hastert in to town this year to raise money and build support.
>> You've got the 28th.
Louie slaughter and the 29th with Randy cooler, the republican who brought the President here this spring.
Let's start with Louise.
Why can't they find someone to oppose her?
>> She's very popular.
And this is a year when strong Democrats are going to be strong and strong republicans will probably hold on to their seats.
But this is her race.
This is her coronation.
>> You look at the other race.
It goes back to those three republican seats.
Seats that might not have been competitive but now those three are nationally some of the more competitive races.
>> He brought President Bush to this town and Bush was very welcomed in this town.
Is Bush the same kind of negative influence on republican candidates?
>> That was the debate.
Was that going to be a good thing for Randy cool or not?
It proved to be.
He brought the President into town to talk about national issues, and yeah.
Was largely well received.
>> OK.
Then finally, the New York state governor race.
Elliott Spitzer, obviously.
He has the democratic Challenger.
William well drop dropped out so the only republican left is John Faso.
But Elliott is so far ahead he's not even talking to swathy.
Swathy is bending over backwards to try to get this guy to talk about some issues.
>> Clearly it looked like there was going to a primary on both parties.
But now all eyes are focused on Spitzer.
So they are going to spend the next couple months beating up on Spitzer, focusing up on taxes.
That was a big issue this year.
Spitzer said he would have a debate with swathy in July.
But swathy wants to have two debates a month and even showed up at a Long Island railroad station to sort of ambush him.
>> Swathy seems like a very capable and accomplished politician, but this is not going to be his year.
What he can hope to accomplish is to gain some respect and name recognition.
>> Thank you very much.
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>> It has been said that jazz fans- are smarter, more affluent and generally more attractive than the average American.
If that is truly the case...there a are a lot of beautiful smart people walking around with big wallets this week in Rochester.
The fifth Edition of the Rochester international Jazz Festival is underway.
And we are delighted to have one of the festival's more than- 600 jazz musicians in studio with us.
Meet Rachel Z.
And joining her is Marc Iacona,- who in addition to being a local businessman is also Executive Director of the Jazz Festival.
thanks both of you for being here.
>> Thank you.
>> Marc, 65,000 people came to this festival last year.
I'm not sure what you're expecting this year, but how do you explain how this Jazz festival is thriving when a lot of the music industry says Jazz is dying?
>> Well, actually, we do hope to get more than 65,000 people this year.
The way that happens is you continue on the bring in quality performances, quality performers.
It's key to us to communicate with the musicians when they are in town, what they will be expecting.
At the same time the quality of performances, the people that come out are entertained year after year.
>> You've got kids or at least one student at McQuaid.
The Teddy Geiger-type, the hit that you can make quickly.
Jazz doesn't like that.
>> Well, I think Jazz over the years, has gone into its peaks and valleys.
And I think it's our generation and the generation after us' responsibility to keep the forefront of Jazz into popularity.
It's happening in some of the schools.
You go to some of the performances, the Jazz performances used to be small and small in attendance.
I just went to one of the local High Schools, and it was packed.
Then at the end of it.
I had nothing to do wit.
They mentioned the Jazz festival, and people are looking forward to coming out.
>> What influenced you?
You are young and attractive and you have a very sexy C.D.
cover.
Why not "American idol"?
What about Jazz drawed you in?
>> Amazing musicians.
Stanley Clark, Lenny white.
I've played with the best in the Jazz business, and I think the apprenticeship process makes you humble because you realize there are amazing older artists, and they are in their 60's, and they are just getting to their ultimate vision, and I do feel Jazz is a long path, and I think you make a great living for the whole time, 40 years instead of two years.
>> You're a perfect example.
You were not vocal in Jazz until your last album "grace" where you were a musician but local -- you were the instrumental musician then doing vocal.
The direction you're headed now?
>> I do it both.
We do it strongly.
I like playing some mean piano, and I like singing.
I think when you sing you touch people's heart in a different way than when you're playing incredible harmony.
I'm going from Tyner to Herbie Hancock, and some people don't understand it.
So we're trying to make new music, Nirvana cover that excites the 17-year-olds.
>> So how do you reach out to try to attract that younger audience?
>> Well, with Bobby Ray on drums, I have a young bass player, and we just love playing at like the new cover of the day.
It might be the green day song or death cab for cutie.
But I have experience with Wayne where he taught me intense harmony, so we combine it.
>> I've heard some of your covers.
You make a new song.
>> But the kids love it because they are like I'm so excited hear a song from that artist, done this way.
>> And trying to reach out to the audience that hasn't heard Jazz as well.
>> Ages 5 to 105 people expect to hear something different.
I've never heard some of the different genres.
But they walk away and say this was great.
They are fortunate to buy a club pass because they come back different nights.
>> Folks who aren't interested so much in Jazz, you have ways to nab them, too, don't you?
>> Yes.
Some of the entertainment like on the free stages, they'll come down and hear different artists, such as soul live, little feet.
It will get them down here and they'll hang out.
>> I've heard there just aren't enough places to perform Jazz.
Record sales are small, a flax of all record sales.
Do you find enough places to perform?
>> You were on from 3:00 a.m. in Europe.
How big of a deal is it to come to Rochester for this festival?
>> For me it's exciting.
I have family here, so it's that much better.
But it's one of the best Jazz festivals I've seen throughout the entire world.
I'm looking at this page of artists, and it's artists I respect young and old.
And I think Rochester is a great town and I have to be honest, the festivals around the world sometimes don't take chance it is way you are.
>> In what sense?
>> We, you have some young people here that haven't done that much, you know?
>> Not well known names?
>> Well you have some, which is totally exciting.
Excuse me.
But you also have, like, just all different young people.
>> A mix.
>> It's so important to keep Jazz alive, to encourage my generation and the next generation to keep going, and also, if you like to drive, there's lots of gigs throughout the world, but you can't be a pampered person.
You have to go get the gigs for the tour because when you play, you get better, and eventually you'll reach the stature where you're at the top line of the Jazz scene.
>> What we try to do is bring you know what I mean from all different regions, not just from the United States.
But those who may be popular in their countries, but not here.
So they come over here not knowing what to expect sometimes, but just grateful playing to a venue that's growing in size.
You get -- I got to say something about most of -- well, very large percentage of the performers we have -- very humble people.
Very approachable people.
And Jazz musicians really never seem to lose that.
>> You have to find the beautiful rich-looking ones walking around.
>> Ha ha.
What are some of the highlights.
This is the fifth anniversary.
>> I would have to say the Eastman theater series we have is a great lineup.
It's different.
It's variety.
Woody Allen.
Never performed in the United States in this type of venue.
James brown, I don't think has ever performed in Rochester either.
Then you've got some great players that were mentioned.
But also different atmosphere.
It just increases the excitement, brand-new tent we have there.
The misdemeanor we're offering is larger.
>> It says bigger and better.
Thank you for coming.
Hope a good time.
STICK AROUND BECAUSE AT THE END- OF THIS SHOW, WE WILL PLAY A LITTLE BIT OF RACHEL Z'S MUSIC.
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT NEED TO- KNOW'S PODCAST PAGE WHERE YOU WILL FIND THIS INTERVIEW AND OTHERS, INCLUDING LAST WEEK'S LOOK AT ARTIST ALBERT PALEY'S latest sculpture.
Go toWXXI.org/ntk, AND CLICK ON THE PODCAST SECTION.
IT'S TIME NOW FOR THE BUSINESS SECTION WITH THE "DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE."
NISHAD MAJMUDAR IS HERE.
HE IS A BUSINESS REPORTER FOR THE "DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE."
nice to have you with us today.
>> Sure.
>> One of the stories you worked on.
The Rochester medical center announced the F.D.A. has just given approval to a vaccine they had a hand in it.
>> Yes.
It's marketed by Merck and company.
And it's been proven that it can block the two viral strains that can cause cervical cancer.
It's a huge development because in the United States there are about 4,000 deaths due to cervical cancer.
So this could really have an impact.
>> How long ago was the U. of R. research on this?
>> Almost 20 years.
This actually started through research in cow warts in rural upstate New York and progressed through the 1990's ultimately resulting in works with Merck and GlaxoSmithKline.
>> Is that the goal of the u of r?
>> Yes.
The viral department is well known for developing those Venus and part of their effort to commercialize technology developed at the University.
>> They are doing other things?
>> Yes.
Several start-up companies started.
One went public, actually went public and on the NASDAQ exchange.
>> Based on research done at the University of Rochester medical campus?
>> Yes.
Taking medical images from clinical trials and seeing if a drug is harming the drug in some way.
It's dined to test drugs earlier on.
>> Is this pushed to commercialize the research?
They are obviously going to get some kind of money from this.
Is it more money or prestige?
>> It's both.
They get royalties and revenues from these but a lot use government funding to research this technology.
>> And what's interesting is this cervical cancer vaccine, others are claiming credit?
>> Yes.
A bunch of different players in it.
>> Let's move on to Excellus.
There's a little bit of concern over their products that providers are nervous.
About offering.
>> Yes.
Excellus has developed a new contract for doctors for indemnity plans.
The contract doesn't include other plans.
>> Is this going to affect only a few Excellus members?
>> Yes, about 6% but the concern is they might not get coverage.
>> What about the other products they are concerned that eventually, I'm not quite sure of the number, 400,000 members in the area.
Excellus products.
Is there concern that this could spread to some of the other products?
>> Sure.
A lot of confusing and uncertainty.
>> All right.
Finally constellation brands.
We did it with another company being recognized for its corporate giving.
But it's had Richard Sands writing checks.
>> Yes.
The C.E.O. announced $600,000 donation for the Norman Howard foundation for a program for children with learning disabilities.
He's also going to be in Canandaigua for the opening of the food and wine culinary institute.
>> Yes.
>> One of the major sponsors.
>> Thank you.
THE BUSINESS SECTION CAN BE HAD- WHEN YOU WANT IT.
JUST GO TO DEMOCRATANDCHRONCILE.com OR wxxi.org, and LOOK FOR THE PODCAST SECTION OF THOSE WEBSITES.
>> AS PROMISED, A LITTLE MUSIC BY RACHEL Z. TO CLOSE THE SHOW.
WATCH "NEED TO KNOW" NEXT WEEK.
ROCHESTER MAYOR ROBERT DUFFY WILL BE HERE.
AND THE NEW YORK WINE AND CULINARY CENTER IS SET TO OPEN IN CANANDAIGUA NEXT WEEKEND.
WE'LL HAVE A REPORT.
SEE YOU THEN.
>> La did not Know That you promised All that you Do She did not Know why She was crying Take me away Take me away Child Away away Gone and away Free myself Hmm
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