Baxley leads Siegelman 45%-27%

The latest Mobile Press-Register/USA poll shows that Lucy Baxley finally has some breathing room over Don Siegelman in the Democratic race for Governor.

MONTGOMERY -- Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley -- after unveiling a series of policy proposals, starting an advertising campaign and watching her chief rival endure weeks of his federal corruption trial -- has opened an 18-point lead in the Democratic primary for governor, the results of a new statewide survey suggest.

The Press-Register/University of South Alabama poll found Baxley with 45 percent support among self-identified likely Democratic primary voters.

Former Gov. Don Siegelman, who awaits his fate on criminal charges that he traded official actions for campaign cash and personal gifts while in office, drew 27 percent.