Kay Ivey | Lt. Governor of Alabama

Ivey is a staple on the conservative speaking circuit in Alabama. If you’ve never seen her lead the pledge of allegiance at an event, you’re missing out. Over the last twelve years, she’s built an extensive grassroots network around the state. She’s particularly strong in rural areas. She’s also the highest ranking female elected official in the state.

Ivey presides over the Senate and determines which committee each bill is assigned to, but in reality her role in the Senate is minimal. That’s not Ivey’s fault, though. Democrats gutted much of the Lt. Governor’s authority in 1999 after Steve Windom was elected and threatened to hold up Gov. Donald Siegelman’s first-year legislative agenda.

The bottom line is that Ivey is still one heart beat away from the Governor’s office.