Governorship
Despite defeat, MacKay became Chiles' successor when Chiles died unexpectedly on December 12, 1998. MacKay was at this time in Boston with his wife. When they returned to their hotel room, they found a message about Chiles' death, asking MacKay to get on a plane to Atlanta, where they were picked up by a state crew and flown through thick fog to Tallahassee. At 12.30 a.m. the next day 65-year old MacKay was sworn-in as Florida's 42nd Governor at his capitol office for the 23 days remaining in Chiles' term.
MacKay's primary tasks as Governor were overseeing Chiles' funeral service and transition of power to Governor-Elect Bush. He, however, made some leftover appointments.
There's no great pleasure in this - said MacKay about taking a job he sought, but got for a short time after his political partner's death. He also stated how sorry he was that he would be unable because of short time and lack of mandate to take care on such issues as education and health care.
MacKay was succeeded by Bush on January 5, 1999.
Read more about this topic: Buddy MacKay