Former Alabama Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley Dies at Age 78

Former Alabama Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley has passed away at the age of 78.

She served as Alabama’s first female Lt. Governor from 2003 – 2007.  She also ran as the Democratic nominee for governor in 2006 against incumbent Republican Gov. Bob Riley in 2006, but lost.  Shortly after the election, Baxley suffered a stroke that left her confined to a wheel chair.

Despite her health setback, she went on to serve as president of Alabama’s Public Service Commission.

Gov. Robert Bentley released a statement on Baxley’s passing:

“Today the state of Alabama lost a great public servant. Lucy Baxley loved Alabama and loved the people of Alabama. I enjoyed our time working together when I served in the legislature. Lucy will forever be remembered as a fierce advocate for the people of Alabama, for her decades of service and as Alabama’s first female Lieutenant Governor. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this time.”

House Minority Leader Craig Ford also released a statement on her passing:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Baxley family today. Lucy was a true public servant, a pillar of the Alabama Democratic Party and will be greatly missed.”