By Associated Press
Birmingham, AL – Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley, defeated in the Nov. 7 election for governor, has suffered a minor stroke, but is expected to make a full recovery, a UAB Hospital spokeswoman said Friday. The spokeswoman, Jennifer Lollar, said Baxley is in good condition in the Birmingham hospital. Baxley's husband, Jim Smith, said the 68-year-old Baxley complained she was not feeling well Wednesday night while they were in Birmingham visiting family and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday. She was taken to UAB Hospital for observation and tests. Lollar said Baxley was admitted to the hospital early Thursday morning. Lollar said Baxley's family had asked for Alabama residents to pray for her quick recovery. Baxley, a Democrat, lost to Republican incumbent Bob Riley in the general election, following a long and strenuous campaign. She had been campaigning for the post for more than a year and defeated former Gov. Don Siegelman in the Democratic Party primary. Baxley's four-year term as lieutenant governor ends in January. She previously served eight years as state treasurer.