NJN News; Tuesday, August 1, 2000 5:30 p.m.

NJN News is made possible by PSENG, serving customers, strengthening the business community and investing in New Jersey's future. The New Jersey Education Association, people who care about your kids, and by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. To where Sally's move comes, as Jim Agribi continues to get more Democratic backing.

NJN News for Tuesday, August 1st. From NJN Public Television, New Jersey's only statewide television newscast. NJN News with Kent Manahan. It's day two of the Republican National Convention, the big theme in Philadelphia, military readiness. Tonight, we can expect to hear from Arizona Senator John McCain and to retire a general Norman Schwartzkopf. Joining them, hundreds of delegates, including 54 from New Jersey. Today Governor Whitman addressed a Republican Black Leadership Council in Philadelphia. There she spoke about inclusion for the party. For the latest, let's go to Kent Manahan at the Comcast for a Student Center in Philly. I can't. Well, Rich, when the delegates gather here in just a couple of hours, they'll also hear from Elizabeth and Bob Dole, and when General Schwartzkopf addresses the delegates, he'll speak to them via satellite from the USS New Jersey docked in Camden. But last night, it was a rousing speech from General Colin Powell, who spoke to the

delegates about the politics of inclusion, challenging them. And today, Governor Whitman continued that message when she spoke to the National Black Republican Leadership Council. The Governor stressed that the message of inclusion is, as she said, no illusion. Kent St. John reports. The Governor met with Black Republicans at the Philadelphia African American and Cultural Museum in Philadelphia. Whitman said following General Colin Powell's speech last night that Republicans today are being asked if inclusion of blacks into the party is an illusion. Whitman says no. Just take a look at New Jersey. Let's start with putting in place role models for young minorities to look to. I've appointed more minorities than they have a Governor in the state of New Jersey, including the first African American to our State Supreme Court. The first African American to do the first African American to head our state police, the first African American Secretary of State.

Whitman also listened to Black Republicans who pledged to increase the number of blacks in the GOP. In 1992, Ross Perot won 8 percent of the black vote with no outreach, with no campaign, with no people in the community. If we can't move our numbers up, then the problem is not with George Bush. The problem is not with elected officials like Christine Todd Whitman. The problem resolves with us. Other young black Republicans say they see the party's platform in agenda as an opportunity for African Americans. I don't want nobody to give me nothing, open up the door, and I'll get it myself. Give me an opportunity of empowerment so I can feed my baby in a creative way that's going to be conducive with the merit that I have empowered and within myself. Meanwhile, the Governor admitted that New Jersey has some extra challenges, such as overcoming racial profiling. People have heard about a lot of that racial profiling. Let me tell you something.

We are the first state in the nation to admit that there is such a thing called racial profiling and to take steps to stop it. It didn't take... Racial profiling didn't start in the state of New Jersey, but you know what? Racial profiling in the state of New Jersey is going to stop. One reason I think why people are straying away from politics are cynical is because no one likes to admit when they make a mistake. No one likes to admit when they have a problem. And I think the first step in solving any problem is to admit that one exists, and I thought it was very courageous of her to say that. The black Republicans say they realize their task to increase black participation in the GOP may be in a field battle, but say they see the new Republican agenda as a new beginning for African Americans. Ken St. John and JN News, Philadelphia. This convention is about the work of delegates. New Jersey's came here to Philadelphia to take their part in the nominating process of George W. Bush.

There are 54 delegates from New Jersey and 54 alternates, and as party leaders say, their makeup reflects the diversity of New Jersey. I'm not a new face, but a lot of new faces in 2000, and I think it's very inclusive. They range in age from 30 to 70. Some are newer to the political process, others are veterans who've attended their share of national conventions in the past. Statistics show the average age is 52, most are men, but there are more women this time around than in 1996. There are seven African Americans, two Hispanics and one Asian American. Their state legislators, local politicians, some are lawyers, current and former cabinet members, and one's a librarian. This year there was a continued emphasis on putting together a delegation that mirrors the diversity of the state. I think the Republican Party in New Jersey is going to help set the pace for the party nationally to really be physically conservative or socially inclusive. When the delegates aren't at the convention center, they're caucusing or partying back

at the hotel. They gather in the lobby, share political insight, and plan when and where to get together next. Len Coleman is a former president of Major League Baseball's National League. I've had a good fortune of being an elegant 84 and 88, and remember the Electoral College 88 here is a delegate again, and each convention to me is a lot of fun. To keep the focus on New Jersey, the delegates are staying in Sherry Hill, but each day they travel here to the convention center and gather on the floor in a pretty prime spot just to the right of the podium. On the convention floor, they come to listen to speeches and prepare to officially nominate George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. Cheney dressed for the occasion, wearing pin and button decorated hats, carrying flags and banners, and generally sporting their GOP pride. Our job really is to be here, to be here, to show support, to cast our vote for the next president, and to get ready to go out and campaign hard for him.

I think that's what it is, it's a pep rally before the big game. I'm joined now by NJN new senior political correspondent Michael Aaron, and Michael, of course, part of our assignment here is talking to the delegates. Can I been doing it for several days now? And do you remember it was just six days ago that George W. Bush named Dick Cheney as his running mate? Since then, Cheney's congressional record has given Democrats something to criticize, but New Jersey Republicans still seem to approve of the selection. He was at the podium today, making sure he'll be comfortable for his speech tomorrow night. Meanwhile, in public, at least, New Jersey party leaders are more than comfortable with him. This is an intelligent man, a knowledgeable man, a person who could become president. So I think he's a great choice for vice president. At a luncheon today, honoring Congressman Rodney Friedling-Hyzen, you could hear defenses of Cheney's voting record in Congress. And that particular congressional district, which I think included all of Wyoming, is one

of the most conservative in the country. So your first responsibility is to represent your congressional district. The fact is, in 1983, Cheney did some things and said some things that perhaps he wouldn't do and say today, in 1983, I was a Democrat. You can disagree with him on individual issues, but if you had somebody in a crisis and American lies were on the line, you would want Dick Cheney next to the red phone. He served in the House. I remember when he was Secretary of Defense, a very, very effective man, depth as deep as it gets. Bob Franks calls the selection of Cheney unassailable, but admits a pro-choice running mate might have played better in New Jersey. I might have felt a little bit better about the choice, but I candidly, Michael, I knew that wasn't going to happen. But privately, there are some misgivings in the New Jersey delegation about Cheney. He doesn't help but ticket that much in the Northeast. He doesn't have that much of a field of minorities, but even privately, one hears no misgivings about Governor Bush.

Does he have the depth and the intellect to be present in the United States? Oh, I think he does. I think that out of the box, people characterize him as not being intellectual. I think what we really want is somebody with common sense. George W. Bush has put together a terrific campaign and a very compelling message, and if this convention is a manifestation of what he believes in, then I think it's terrific. One veteran GOP convention goer told me this is the best Republicans have felt about their nominee since 1980, Ronald Reagan's first winning convention. Michael, listening in on that and that comment, our analysts here, Roger Bodman, Republican analyst and Democratic strategist Julie Roginsky, thanks again for joining us and Roger, you heard that. So how does Dick Cheney's candidacy as Vice President affect New Jersey, which is up for grabs in this election? Well, Kent, let me say this, exciting is not a word I would apply to Dick Cheney, but competence certainly is and I think it bodes well for New Jersey. He's a man of tremendous competence and certainly a very varied career both in government

and more importantly, perhaps outside of government, some private sector experience was always welcome when one reenters the political arena, I think there'll be a great asset to New Jersey. So how does he play, though, with the voters in New Jersey, so many of whom are independent? Well, he brings such a wealth of experience. He was White House chief of staff. He was a member of Congress for many years and certainly later his secretary of defense, one of the architects of the Gulf War, brings a strength and I think a depth of experience that I think will make all New Jersey and feel very comfortable that the White House and the Vice Presidency is in the best of hands. So you're predicting a win, OK, all right. And Julie, so how do the Democrats counter Dick Cheney on the ticket? Can they use that as part of their strategy and ammunition? Oh, absolutely, Kent. Dick Cheney is probably one of the most extreme members of Congress by New Gingrich's own account. Dick Cheney is more extreme than Gingrich's. He is extreme on the issue of guns. He's extreme on the issue of civil rights. He's extreme on the issue of choice. And New Jersey is a mainstream state and the Bush Cheney ticket will be desperate to

try to cover up their extreme record. But the truth is that Dick Cheney is one of the most right-wing extreme members in the history of the Congress. So are you laying out the Gore strategy for us, right? I think the Gore strategy is just to have voters look at Dick Cheney's record and it's not a strategy. It's just a reflection of the extreme right that the Bush Cheney ticket is bolstered by. As we heard in our reports this evening, the theme of this convention, one of the themes certainly has been the politics of inclusion, the message that the Republicans are driving home to Americans. And we heard Colin Powell speak to the delegates last night. Your impression on that, right? Oh, I was thrilled with the speech. You know, again, we come from, as a New Jersey Republican, I come from a tradition of Republican ism in New Jersey of moderation, and going back to Governor Cain who wrote a book entitled The Politics of Inclusion. I was just delighted to see Colin Powell make this very impassioned speech, but also sort of own up to some of the sins of the past. He said the party of Lincoln doesn't always carry the mantle of Lincoln, and I thought that was very refreshing. But I also think he went forward and said how Governor Bush had done so well in these

areas as Governor of Texas, and that he would change things going forward. I think that was a spectacular message for America to hear. And Julie, how does this play? Well, Colin Powell really made an effort to chide the Republican Party about the issue of affirmative action on the issue of inclusion. The truth is that Governor Bush in Texas has a very bad record on issues concerning minority communities and inclusion of other groups. And Dick Cheney voted against releasing Nelson Mandela from prison in South Africa. I can't imagine a more not inclusionary tactic that anybody could make. Now I know Roger would like to comment, but I have to stop it here. So Roger and Julie, thank you for joining us again. And with that, I'm Kent Manahan, sending it back to Rich Young and our NJN Studios in Trenton. Okay, Kent. Well, the situation on some Philadelphia streets late this afternoon was in stark contrast to the calm inside the first union center. Bands of protesters linked together, blocked key intersections in center city, center city Philly, and disrupted rush hour traffic authorities were forced to drag and lift the protesters from the streets and load them onto police buses to be removed from the scene.

At least one officer was reported to be injured. The demonstrators are from numerous groups protesting everything from homelessness to social justice. And there's more ahead on NJN News, New Jersey, U.S. Senator Bob Tourselli speaks about his decision not to run for governor. The financier Robert Brenn is arrested on criminal charges, those stories coming up. Thank you, Robert. It was back to senatorial business today for senator Bob Tourselli a day after he announced he would not be seeking the democratic nomination for governor.

Tourselli visited with Warren County farmers to talk about crop insurance. As Zachary Fink reports, New Jersey's junior senator says even though he's out of the race, the nominee is far from chosen. This was an effort to unify democrats around the state. But to do that, I think it had to be quick and it had to be overwhelming. Bob Tourselli says he's disappointed that his potential candidacy did not rally greater statewide democratic support. It was his first interview with NJN News since he announced three weeks ago that he would run for governor before hastily withdrawing late yesterday afternoon. His announcement came after Essex County democrats through their support behind Woodbridge Mayor Jim McGreeby. I think it was clear with sharp james's announcement that we couldn't get enough. We get enough to win a primary, we get enough to win a fight, but the purpose was to avoid a fight. Today, Hudson County democrats, including congressman Bob Benendez endorsed McGreeby. According to a democratic strategist, since Tourselli brought himself into the race, McGreeby has been quietly locking up support from leaders in Hudson and Essex counties.

And the most important thing is is that we've developed this team, and we're working together to strengthen this team, to develop broad based consensus, and to begin the purpose of government. Well, Tourselli says his goal was to unite the party. His sudden withdrawal seems to have spawned new interest in the governor's seat. Tourselli even suggested that former Morris County prosecutor Michael Murphy would make a good candidate as would congressman Rob Andrews. And if Frank Pallone went as far as to send out a press release yesterday, after the withdrawal, saying he too is seriously considering a run. I just think that's the democratic way. You know, it's nice to talk about unity, but the unity can come after the primary. Basically, I'm in the central part of the state. I've represented Ocean, Mom, and the middle six counties. What better person if you will to bring the south and the north together? Tourselli says he doesn't regret entering the race. He says he made his best efforts to bring northern and southern democratic state leaders together, and to a certain extent he succeeded. But the senator said he's not prepared to support McGreeby at this point. In fairness, I think Jim McGreeby never had a majority of the democratic party. He had a strong minority.

And I think in the last three weeks, we demonstrated that. Zachary Fink, NJN News, Harmony. Well, Jim McGreeby has picked up more support this time in Hudson County, outside the church where he was baptized. McGreeby got the endorsement of Congressman Bob Menendez, state senator Bernie Kenney, and a host of Hudson County mayors and council people. Menendez said McGreeby knows the difficulties New Jersey and space, because he's been traveling the state, and he's been listening to them. In his recent challenge, I think Jim McGreeby showed the kind of character, and that is important in the person we want as the next governor of this state, that we can all admire. Tenacity, my phone call, my phone ran off the hook, I tell you, my wife can attest to that. Passion, but also vision and leadership. Menendez called today's event another step in bringing the Democratic Party together. It was another day in court for a battle financier, Robert Brennan. This time, he's facing federal and state criminal charges related to bankruptcy fraud. Joyce Kuh reports the charges come after Brennan allegedly cashed in about a half million

dollars in casino chips. Penny's dog, Brokega, Robert Brennan was arrested about seven this morning at his Coltsneck home and brought here to the Superior Court in Mometh County, where his indictments weren't sealed. Brennan's reaction, resigned, it's something that he did not anticipate. The five-counted state indictment includes charges that Brennan failed to declare money in connection with bankruptcy. A six-counted federal indictment charges him with lying in the bankruptcy proceeding. Prosecutors claim that Brennan attempted to hide half a million dollars in Las Vegas casino chips. Authorities say he failed to report those chips in other assets and bankruptcy court. When Brennan cashed his chips in in Las Vegas, he gambled that he could hide from New Jersey authorities.

That's a gamble he lost. Despite two decades in investigation, Brennan avoided serious sanctions until 1995. When a federal judge ordered him to pay $75 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission to give back. Brennan filed for bankruptcy before the money was due but continued his lavish lifestyle. Interest has been accumulating on Brennan's debt, which now totals to about $200 million to the state and SEC combined. Allegations that he had committed fraud in security sales during the course of his work with Hibbert Brown. And there was a $100 million judgment to enter against him in that civil racketeering case. If convicted in superior court on all counts, Brennan would face a maximum of 15 years in prison and approximately $1 million in fines. Joyce Coo, NJN News. The high cost of prescription drugs, prices have been climbing steadily over the past decade up almost 7% a year, what's going on and why? And tonight's health watch, health and medical correspondent Sarah Lee Kessler looks for answers. Cost of prescription drugs have gone through the roof, they are very high.

Mark Robbins owns a drug store in Mercer County. He's watched drug prices soar 60% between 1991 and 1998. Assume to be released report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, reveals the average price of a brand name drug has gone from $30.43 to $54.78. Robbins says his customers, especially the elderly, have been hit hard. They try to extend the medication instead of medication being taken once a day. They'll take it every other day, every third day trying to stretch it out. The reason, one out of three seniors lacks drug insurance. Medicare doesn't pick up the tab so they pay for pills out of their own pockets. An average of 11 prescription drugs a year for seniors 75 and up. My wife does take a lot of them and very frankly it comes up to around $200 to $300 a month. That's very excessive I think for taking prescription drugs.

Relative to what is it expensive if we can keep patients out of the hospital, if we can improve quality of life better than we could with previous older drugs. Then is that too expensive? New drugs like these carry high research and development price tags, about $500 million each. There are many defeats along the way. On the average for every prescription drug that comes on the market, there are $9,999 failures. I understand that the manufacturers have to make some money for R&D. That's understandable, but where do you draw the line? Some critics say it's time for Medicare coverage to be extended to prescription drugs or even price controls for an industry that consistently ranks among the most profitable in America. Sarah Lee Kessler, NJN News Still to come, business news and a check of the Wall Street numbers when we return. Thank you.

In tonight's business news, some 2 million natural gas customers in New Jersey could be facing double-digit rate increases. Next-service electric and gas and New Jersey natural gas, playing rising demand for the need to increase prices, New Jersey natural is seeking a 16% rate increase that translates to about $12 more every month.

PSD&G's proposed increase would raise prices by about $20 a month during the winter. Just last week, Elizabeth Gas also proposed raising rates by 18% starting this fall. On Wall Street increasing concerns about interest rates dampened the mood in the tech sector, the market failed to advance after yesterday's gains. The blue chips, however, did manage to gain ground. At the close, the Dow industrials added nearly 85 points ending the session at the 10,606 level. Among the broad markets, the AMX added 5.5, the NASDAQ lost 85.5, the S&P 500 rose 7. Among the treasuries, the 10-year note is up 7.30 seconds, it's yield at 5.99%. And when we come back, we'll check the New Jersey forecast, stay witness. In the weather department, a partly cloudy day across the region with scattered showers,

temperatures were mainly in the mid-80s. Today's gloomy weather did not dampen the spirits of these local farmers. They were busy selling Jersey fresh produce at the Harvest Square Farmers Market in Jersey City, fresh corn there. As far as our ozone watch for tomorrow, expect moderate levels across most of the state. In North Jersey tonight, showers are likely, with a low 70. Tomorrow a humid day with a mix of sun and clouds, chances of an afternoon thundershower, highs in the mid-80s. In South Jersey tonight, partly cloudy with a chance of some rain, lows in the mid-60s. Tomorrow partly sunny with a chance of showers, highs in the mid-80s. And that's the news for tonight. From all of us here at NJN News, have a good night. In South Jersey tonight, partly cloudy with a chance of showers, highs in the mid-80s.

You You You

You You You

You You