Frank MacKay Interview with Jeff Graham on Watertown Radio 1240 am December
4, 2002 12:35 pm Watertown, NY


Graham:

Chairman Frank MacKay of the State Independence Party joins us today on the
hotline.

Frank, tell us about your suggestion to let the unaffiliated voters
participate in the Independence Party’s statewide primaries.


MacKay:

Well Jeff there are more than 2.2 million so called “blank voters” right
here in NY State who are part of a much larger group of Americans that the
public calls “independents” and the Independence Party of New York is by far
the largest and most organized 3rd Party in the country and as a rule is
responsive to the “independent” movement in America.

On February 1, 2003 the state committee of the party will vote on the rules
change that, if passed, would allow unaffiliated voters to take part in our
statewide primaries.

I believe that the committee members will give this initiative their
overwhelming support for this long overdue initiative.


Graham:

I agree with the reform and you are right, it is long overdue, but will the
major parties and the “powers that be” allow this to happen?


MacKay:

In this, the state committee is / are the “powers that be” a political party
should have the right to govern itself as its members see fit.

We have federal cases that will back us up, that are right on point.

We may need to initiate a case to force the state board (of elections) to
see it through, however the members will decide that on February 1st.


Graham:

As always, I will assume that the meeting is open to the media and other
curiosity seekers.


MacKay:

Absolutely. As always, only committee members can participate – but
everyone is welcome to observe.

This will be a historic day in New York State politics