Lucy Baxley
Encyclopedia
Lucy Baxley served as the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Alabama
, from 2003 to 2007 and was the Democratic
candidate for Governor in 2006. Though Alabama has had a female governor, Baxley is the first woman to hold the state's office of lieutenant governor.
. Baxley attended Auburn University at Montgomery but did not graduate. She first married at 18; later, she married Bill Baxley
,who was an Attorney General
of Alabama for two terms from 1971 to 1979 and later Lieutenant Governor of Alabama from 1983 to 1987. Bill Baxley later became involved with another woman, in a widely publicized affair, leading to their divorce in 1987. Baxley has been married to Jim Smith since 1996.
Baxley, a licensed realtor, opened a real estate practice in suburban Birmingham after leaving office as Lieutenant Governor in 2007.
Lucy Baxley was elected to a four year term as the President of the Alabama Public Service Commission on November 4, 2008.
. Her administration in that post was marked by substantial improvements in office modernization, including the first personal computers for staffers. She also worked for expansion of the Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program. In 1998, Baxley was re-elected to that post. In 2002, Baxley was elected the 29th Lieutenant Governor
of Alabama, receiving more votes than either candidate for Governor. She also served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention
in 1996.
In 2005, Baxley announced plans to run for Governor of Alabama in 2006. Her main opponent in the primary was former Governor Don Siegelman
. In large part because of Siegelman's indictment for bribery
and racketeering
, she was able to secure important endorsements from the Alabama Democratic Conference and the New South Coalition, as well as the Alabama State Employees Association. Despite running a relatively low-profile campaign, she coasted to a win in the primary election on June 6 with 60% of the vote.
Baxley was an underdog in the general election against incumbent Republican
Bob Riley
, trailing as much as 30% in some polls. Baxley proposed a raise in the minimum wage of $1 per hour, which generated some criticism from her opponents. She was heavily outspent in the campaign by Riley, and pointed to Riley's receipt of large contributions from recipients of industrial development subsidies. Baxley did better than expected in the election, but still lost to Riley, acquiring 42% of the vote, compared to Riley's 58%.
Baxley's term as Lieutenant Governor ended in 2007, and she was succeeded by fellow Democrat and former Governor Jim Folsom, Jr.
.
In each of her campaigns for office, Baxley has utilized media bearing the title of the iconic situation comedy starring Lucille Ball
, "I Love Lucy
."
Making a political comeback in 2008, Baxley defeated Republican Twinkle A. Cavanaugh for President of the Alabama Public Service Commission
, replacing the retiring Jim Sullivan.
hospital in Birmingham, Alabama
on November 23, 2006, Thanksgiving Day. She had become ill Wednesday evening, while visiting her family in Birmingham. Doctors kept her for tests and observations. A spokeswoman for UAB announced that Baxley had suffered a mild stroke
, but was expected to fully recover. A statement was issued via her family that asked Alabamians to keep Baxley in their prayers. No further details of her condition were given at the time.
She was discharged from UAB on November 29 and then moved to Lakeshore Rehabilitation Center, also in Birmingham. She remained there until being released December 29. The cause of Baxley's stroke has not been determined. Following the advice of her neurologist, Baxley did not return to Montgomery to preside over the opening of the Senate, her last official duty as Lt. Governor. According to Sen. Lowell Barron
, D-Fyffe, "Lucy's situation is serious." It was difficult for her to move her left leg and "she was unable to move her left arm." Following her discharge, she underwent outpatient rehabilitation.
2006 General Election: Governor
2006 Democratic Primary: Governor
2002 General Election: Lieutenant Governor
1998 General Election: State Treasurer
1994 General Election: State Treasurer
1994 Democratic Primary: State Treasurer
* = Incumbent
Bold = Winner
Note: All votes are official results from the Alabama Secretary of State website.
Alabama Secretary of State
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, from 2003 to 2007 and was the Democratic
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
candidate for Governor in 2006. Though Alabama has had a female governor, Baxley is the first woman to hold the state's office of lieutenant governor.
Personal
Baxley was born in 1937 near Pansey, Alabama, a small town near DothanDothan, Alabama
Dothan is a city located in the southeastern corner of the US state of Alabama, situated approximately west of the Georgia state line and north of Florida. It is the seat of Houston County, with portions extending into nearby Dale County and Henry County...
. Baxley attended Auburn University at Montgomery but did not graduate. She first married at 18; later, she married Bill Baxley
Bill Baxley
William Joseph Baxley II is an American Democratic politician and attorney.He was born in Dothan, Alabama and attended law school at the University of Alabama, graduating in 1964. He served two terms as Attorney General of Alabama, from 1971–1979; at the age of 27, he was the youngest to hold that...
,who was an Attorney General
Attorney General
In most common law jurisdictions, the attorney general, or attorney-general, is the main legal advisor to the government, and in some jurisdictions he or she may also have executive responsibility for law enforcement or responsibility for public prosecutions.The term is used to refer to any person...
of Alabama for two terms from 1971 to 1979 and later Lieutenant Governor of Alabama from 1983 to 1987. Bill Baxley later became involved with another woman, in a widely publicized affair, leading to their divorce in 1987. Baxley has been married to Jim Smith since 1996.
Baxley, a licensed realtor, opened a real estate practice in suburban Birmingham after leaving office as Lieutenant Governor in 2007.
Lucy Baxley was elected to a four year term as the President of the Alabama Public Service Commission on November 4, 2008.
Political career
In 1994, Baxley was elected Alabama State TreasurerState Treasurer
In the state governments of the United States, 49 of the 50 states have the executive position of treasurer. Texas abolished the position of Texas State Treasurer in 1996....
. Her administration in that post was marked by substantial improvements in office modernization, including the first personal computers for staffers. She also worked for expansion of the Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program. In 1998, Baxley was re-elected to that post. In 2002, Baxley was elected the 29th Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant governor
A lieutenant governor or lieutenant-governor is a high officer of state, whose precise role and rank vary by jurisdiction, but is often the deputy or lieutenant to or ranking under a governor — a "second-in-command"...
of Alabama, receiving more votes than either candidate for Governor. She also served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention
Democratic National Convention
The Democratic National Convention is a series of presidential nominating conventions held every four years since 1832 by the United States Democratic Party. They have been administered by the Democratic National Committee since the 1852 national convention...
in 1996.
In 2005, Baxley announced plans to run for Governor of Alabama in 2006. Her main opponent in the primary was former Governor Don Siegelman
Don Siegelman
Don Eugene Siegelman is an American Democratic Party politician who held numerous offices in Alabama. He was the 51st Governor of Alabama for one term from 1999 to 2003...
. In large part because of Siegelman's indictment for bribery
Bribery
Bribery, a form of corruption, is an act implying money or gift giving that alters the behavior of the recipient. Bribery constitutes a crime and is defined by Black's Law Dictionary as the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official or...
and racketeering
Racket (crime)
A racket is an illegal business, usually run as part of organized crime. Engaging in a racket is called racketeering.Several forms of racket exist. The best-known is the protection racket, in which criminals demand money from businesses in exchange for the service of "protection" against crimes...
, she was able to secure important endorsements from the Alabama Democratic Conference and the New South Coalition, as well as the Alabama State Employees Association. Despite running a relatively low-profile campaign, she coasted to a win in the primary election on June 6 with 60% of the vote.
Baxley was an underdog in the general election against incumbent Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
Bob Riley
Bob Riley
Bob Riley may refer to:* Bob Riley, 52nd Governor of Alabama* Bob C. Riley, acting Governor of Arkansas for 11 days in 1975* Bob Riley , sports car designer and founder of Riley Technologies...
, trailing as much as 30% in some polls. Baxley proposed a raise in the minimum wage of $1 per hour, which generated some criticism from her opponents. She was heavily outspent in the campaign by Riley, and pointed to Riley's receipt of large contributions from recipients of industrial development subsidies. Baxley did better than expected in the election, but still lost to Riley, acquiring 42% of the vote, compared to Riley's 58%.
Baxley's term as Lieutenant Governor ended in 2007, and she was succeeded by fellow Democrat and former Governor Jim Folsom, Jr.
Jim Folsom, Jr.
James Elisha Folsom, Jr. is an American Democratic politician who was the 50th Governor of Alabama from April 22, 1993 to January 16, 1995.-Early life and career:...
.
In each of her campaigns for office, Baxley has utilized media bearing the title of the iconic situation comedy starring Lucille Ball
Lucille Ball
Lucille Désirée Ball was an American comedian, film, television, stage and radio actress, model, film and television executive, and star of the sitcoms I Love Lucy, The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour, The Lucy Show, Here's Lucy and Life With Lucy...
, "I Love Lucy
I Love Lucy
I Love Lucy is an American television sitcom starring Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley. The black-and-white series originally ran from October 15, 1951, to May 6, 1957, on the Columbia Broadcasting System...
."
Making a political comeback in 2008, Baxley defeated Republican Twinkle A. Cavanaugh for President of the Alabama Public Service Commission
Alabama Public Service Commission
The Alabama Public Service Commission, commonly called The PSC, was established by an act of The Alabama Legislature in 1915 to primarily replace the State Railroad Commission. The PSC's responsibility was expanded in 1920 to include regulating and setting rates that utility companies charge their...
, replacing the retiring Jim Sullivan.
Stroke and recovery
Baxley was admitted to UABUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public university in Birmingham in the U.S. state of Alabama. Developing from an extension center established in 1936, the institution became an autonomous institution in 1969 and is today one of three institutions in the University of Alabama System...
hospital in Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. The city is the county seat of Jefferson County. According to the 2010 United States Census, Birmingham had a population of 212,237. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, in estimate by the U.S...
on November 23, 2006, Thanksgiving Day. She had become ill Wednesday evening, while visiting her family in Birmingham. Doctors kept her for tests and observations. A spokeswoman for UAB announced that Baxley had suffered a mild stroke
Stroke
A stroke, previously known medically as a cerebrovascular accident , is the rapidly developing loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage , or a hemorrhage...
, but was expected to fully recover. A statement was issued via her family that asked Alabamians to keep Baxley in their prayers. No further details of her condition were given at the time.
She was discharged from UAB on November 29 and then moved to Lakeshore Rehabilitation Center, also in Birmingham. She remained there until being released December 29. The cause of Baxley's stroke has not been determined. Following the advice of her neurologist, Baxley did not return to Montgomery to preside over the opening of the Senate, her last official duty as Lt. Governor. According to Sen. Lowell Barron
Lowell Barron
Lowell Ray Barron is a successful businessman and a former member of the Alabama Senate, representing the 8th District since 1982. Barron, who is a Democrat, was elected President Pro Tem of the Alabama Senate from 1999 to 2007...
, D-Fyffe, "Lucy's situation is serious." It was difficult for her to move her left leg and "she was unable to move her left arm." Following her discharge, she underwent outpatient rehabilitation.
See also
- Alabama gubernatorial election, 2006Alabama gubernatorial election, 2006The Alabama gubernatorial election of 2006 occurred on November 7, 2006. Incumbent Republican Bob Riley defeated Democratic Lieutenant Governor Lucy Baxley.-Republican Party:*Bob Riley, incumbent Governor of Alabama...
Electoral history
2008 General Election: Alabama Public Service Commission| Candidate | Votes Received | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Lucy Baxley (D) | 1,014,091 | 50.25% |
| Twinkle Cavanaugh (R) | 1,001,643 | 49.64% |
| Write-in | 2,199 | 0.11% |
2006 General Election: Governor
| Candidate | Votes Received | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| *Bob Riley (R) | 718,327 | 57.45% |
| Lucy Baxley (D) | 519,827 | 41.57% |
| Write-in | 12,247 | 0.98% |
2006 Democratic Primary: Governor
| Candidate | Votes Received | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Lucy Baxley | 279,165 | 59.84% |
| Don Siegelman | 170,016 | 36.44% |
| Joe Copeland | 4,141 | 0.89% |
| Nathan Mathis | 4,000 | 0.86% |
| Katherine Mack | 3,392 | 0.73% |
| James Potts | 3,333 | 0.71% |
| Harry Lyon | 2,490 | 0.53% |
2002 General Election: Lieutenant Governor
| Candidate | Votes Received | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Lucy Baxley (D) | 694,442 | 51.48% |
| Bill Armistead (R) | 630,839 | 46.76% |
| Lyn Curtis Adams (L) | 21,884 | 1.62% |
| Write-in | 1,873 | 0.14% |
1998 General Election: State Treasurer
| Candidate | Votes Received | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| *Lucy Baxley (D) | 810,746 | 64.59% |
| Tom Davis (R) | 443,901 | 35.37% |
| Write-in | 496 | 0.04% |
1994 General Election: State Treasurer
| Candidate | Votes Received | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Lucy Baxley (D) | 562,733 | 50.03% |
| James Martin (R) | 561,701 | 49.93% |
| Write-in | 444 | 0.03% |
1994 Democratic Primary: State Treasurer
| Candidate | Votes Received | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Lucy Baxley | 313,154 | 55.20% |
| Elizabeth Alexander | 157,184 | 27.71% |
| Steven R. Phelps, Sr. | 96,958 | 17.09% |
Bold = Winner
Note: All votes are official results from the Alabama Secretary of State website.
Alabama Secretary of State
External links
- Article from the Decatur Daily
- RE/MAX Alabama: Lucy Baxley