[2] In a 2003 interview with MacNett, journalist Albert J. Neri said that "[a]nyone who has spent any time walking the halls of the state Capitol has heard the name, Steve MacNett, spoken with mixtures of reverence, respect and fear.
"[2] In 2004 the political newsletter The Insider said that for "two decades he's been the gatekeeper on all matters legislative and a walking encyclopedia on the legislature and state government.
"[1] In 2009 the Pennsylvania Report named him to "The Pennsylvania Report 100" list of influential figures in Pennsylvania politics, noting that while his influence "has waned with the new leadership" in the Senate Republican Caucus, he is "[s]till a trusted friend and advisor to all members of the state Senate" and he "will continue to be a key advisor and force behind the scenes.
"[4] He was named to the PoliticsPA list of "Pennsylvania's Smartest Staffers and Operatives.
[6][7] Stephen is survived by his wife Cynthia, daughters, Pamela MacNett, Colleen MacNett, and stepdaughters Catharine Thurston and Abigail Thurston.