Buddy MacKay

Kenneth Hood " Buddy" MacKay, Jr. ( born March 22, 1933 Ocala, Florida ) is an American politician of the Democratic Party. He was from 1998 to 1999 the 42nd Governor of the State of Florida. Between 1983 and 1989 he represented his state in Congress.

Early years and political rise

MacKay visited the Ocala High School and the University of Florida, where he graduated in 1961 his law. Previously, he served from 1955 to 1958 as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. His political career began in 1968 when he was elected to the House of Representatives from Florida. There he remained until 1974., The following six years, until 1980, he served in the Senate of this State. From January 3, 1983 to January 3, 1989, he was a deputy in the House of Representatives of the United States.

Lieutenant Governor and Governor of Florida

1990 MacKay was elected to the side of Governor Lawton Chiles to the Lieutenant Governor of Florida. Four years later, both were confirmed in their offices. As Lieutenant Governor, he was entrusted with many additional tasks, which makes it the most powerful holder of the office. Among other things, he was Deputy Chairman of the Education Committee. He was also a supporter of the death penalty. As the gubernatorial elections of 1998, queuing, he managed to win the Democratic primary and to achieve the nomination as the top candidate with the help of Chile. However, he was defeated at the actual elections the Republican Jeb Bush.

Due to the unexpected death of Governor Chiles on December 12, 1998 MacKay was then still the governorship to. He had to overcome to January 5, 1999, the remaining three weeks of his predecessor's term. As Governor, he only had to organize the funeral of his predecessor and prepare the handover of office to Bush.

After the end of his brief tenure as governor, he retired from politics. Kenneth MacKay is married to Anne Selph, with whom he has four children.