Lucy Baxley is the Rocky Balboa of the Alabama political ring.

The former state treasurer and lieutenant governor refuses to let a drubbing at the hands of Bob Riley in the 2006 gubernatorial election squelch her desire for public office.

Even though a stroke has left her legs weakened and her left arm immobile, Baxley still has the desire to serve.

The Democratic candidate for Public Service Commission (PSC) President has done her part — possibly more — to serve this state, but come Nov. 3, she’s seeking the wrong office at the wrong time.

The two seats currently not up for re-election on the PSC are occupied by Democrats Jan Cook and Susan Parker. It is unwise to load the state’s utility regulatory board with a third and final Democratic seat.

Republican opponent Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh was state director of Citizens for a Sound Economy, which promotes low taxes and less government regulation. She will serve an important role as the go-between in the relationship between utility companies and the tax-paying citizens of Alabama.

We admire Ms. Baxley for her prior service to the state, but we believe this is not the time for her to lace up her gloves for another political fight.

This newspaper endorses Cavanaugh for the position, and owes a debt of gratitude to Lucy Baxley for her past accomplishments and service.