State Sen. Boyle makes new hire

New State Sen. Philip Boyle has created a political trifecta. With relatives of two party leaders already on the payroll, he's also hired Patricia Walsh, wife of Suffolk Conservative chairman Edward Walsh, as a $50,000-a-year case worker. Boyle (R-Bay Shore) said she's "exceptionally well qualified," having been a cardiac nurse for 23 years, and will focus on health issues. "She was a patient advocate and that's what she'll be doing for us," he said.

On staff is Claudia Tantone, wife of Islip GOP chairman Frank Tantone, as a $70,000 district director. John MacKay, son of state and Suffolk Independence Party chairman Frank Mac-Kay, is a part-time $10,000-a-year aide. (Boyle's wife, Victoria Ryan, recently became Islip Independence Party chairwoman.) -- Rick Brand