The Royal Treatment - New York Magazine Dec 24-31 2001

Power can have its perks, even if you are head of one of the minor political parties. Just ask state Independence Party chairman Frank MacKay.

            When MacKay got married last month, New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani personally officiated at a City Hall ceremony.

            If that werent enough, on the eve of MacKays wedding, Gov. George Pataki as a surprise brought out a cake and champagne for MacKay and his fianci, Kristin Stewart, during a meeting with Independence Party officials at the governors mansion in Albany.

            Asked if Patakis largesse would help his chances to get the Independence endorsement when he runs for re-election next year, MacKay would only say, Were very fond of the governor on many issues, and lately hes started speaking our language on I and R.  Thats shorthand for a statewide initiative and referendum proposal, which the party has been pushing state officials to support. The measure would allow residents to circulate petitions to put issues on the ballot.