Gov. Ivey’s doctor says she is in ‘excellent health’

MONTGOMERY (AP) — Responding to her primary challengers and questions about her physical condition, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday released a letter from her doctor saying the 73-year-old governor is in “excellent health.”

Ivey’s Republican challengers have indirectly made an issue of the front-runner’s age and health by releasing their own medical information and challenging other candidates to do the same. In the brief letter from Dr. Brian Elrod of Montgomery, the doctor wrote that he sees “no medical issues that would prevent (Ivey) from fulfilling her obligations as governor.

“Sorry to ruin your misguided publicity stunt, but we’re confident you’ll find new ones. Meanwhile, Governor Ivey is going to stay focused on fighting for her conservative agenda to keep Alabama working,” Ivey campaign manager Mike Lukach said in a statement.

Ivey, who turns 74 in the fall, will among the oldest governors — if not the oldest — to take office in Alabama if elected in November.

The release of doctors’ notes came after state Sen. Bill Hightower, who is 58, said voters need assurances that a governor is “vigorous” and can complete the term. Hightower last week released a copy of his recent medical tests and urged other candidates to do the same.

“Knowing this is a demanding job, I released my medical records,” Hightower told The Associated Press on Tuesday. “It isn’t about age. It’s about can you do the job,” Hightower said.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and evangelist Scott Dawson on previously released letters from their doctors. Only Hightower released a battery of test results.