According to a report from Mobile-based Lagniappe's Dale Liesch, a three-month snapshot of Gov. Kay Ivey's official calendar shows a light schedule chocked full of ceremonial events, including ribbon cuttings and school appearances and very few work days that go beyond 3 p.m.
Lagniappe obtained the state's chief executive's schedule from Aug. 14 to Nov. 14, 2024.
SEE MORE: Snapshot of Ivey's schedule doesn't quiet questions over age, ability
"The planner shows she had most work days ending before, or right after 3 p.m. during the period examined, and had several instances where there were two or fewer events planned," Lagniappe's Liesch wrote. "In total, Ivey's days ended at or before 3 p.m. 36 out of the 53 days examined, not including several days in August and September that were blocked out. That means she finished her day after 3 p.m. only 32 percent of the time."
Despite efforts by Ivey's communications team to downplay the concerns, questions persist about the governor's health, leading to speculation about Ivey finishing her term, which was still in question.
A handful of medical incidents have spurred those concerns. Recently, she was evaluated for dehydration by paramedics at a campaign event for congressional candidate Caroleene Dobson in November. Unreported first-hand accounts of other episodes have also increased in recent years.
In 2015, a trooper was allegedly removed from Ivey's protective detail when she was lieutenant governor after telling his superiors that she suffered "stroke-like symptoms" during a trip to Colorado.
Likewise, in 2022, ahead of the general election, more rumors circled that Ivey was experiencing medical complications.
Lagniappe co-publisher Rob Holbert acknowledged that their effort to disclose the governor's schedule was not well-received by the governor's staff in his Sunday Brunch newsletter.
"Ivey's people were none too happy about our request and seem to view it as being hostile or unfair, and they did remind us she takes phone calls and has other communications that aren't on the schedule," Holbert wrote. "While I'm sure that's true, it is telling that most of what is on her schedule is saccharine photo op material — many of which we're paying for the state-owned jet to fly her to, BTW."
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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