Independence Party left out of debate

	Independence Party left out of debate
	*Roving Reporter* BY POLITICAL WRITER LARA JAKES
	Monday, Sept. 11, 2000 The state's third-largest political party apparently is feeling like a third wheel in New York's U.S. Senate race this year. And with little wonder: with an all-out slugfest developing between Democratic First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and four-term Republican U.S. Rep. Rick Lazio, the two Senate wannabes from the Independence Party have failed to attract any attention. Breaking into the race's orbit seems a daily strife for Independence leaders. At issue today was whether the winner of Tuesday's primary between Independence candidates Jeff Graham of Watertown and Jeff Beller of Westerlo would be allowed into Wednesday's Senate debate in Buffalo. ``Debates among the candidates, if they are to serve the interest of voters, must include all duly qualified candidates,'' Independence Party chairman Frank MacKay wrote today to Andrew Lack, president of NBC News, which is hosting the Buffalo event. ``Inclusive debates are necessary if our democratic process is to be worthy of its name.'' As of this afternoon, NBC had no plans to open the debate door to the Independence candidate, said spokeswoman Hilary Smith.