By By Adam Prestridge
First Lady Patsy Riley knows how to cook.
And she's not afraid to share her recipes with everyone in Alabama.
Thursday, Riley visited Atmore and gave away free copies of her cookbook, The Riley friends &family favorites cookbook III at The Paper Station. She also visited with residents and supporters of her husband, Gov. Bob Riley, while autographing her cookbook.
"We're having a wonderful time, it's very exciting," she said. "We're meeting with so many avid supporters and people that are excited about the election next week. We're excited about the election next week."
The Paper Station owner, Jeff and Jody Peacock, hosted Riley as part of their responsibilities as Escambia County team leaders for Gov. Riley.
"We help coordinate local events and fundraisers," Jody said. "We are also a sign distribution place where anyone can pick up Republican candidate signs."
Jeff added that it was a good gesture by Riley to stop in Atmore.
"It's just great that someone of her stature would visit Atmore," he said. "I believe it helps the city."
Riley arrived in Atmore via a RV from Greenville, her first stop of the day. Joining her were friends and colleagues.
As for the reception, Jody said she could not have been more pleased.
"We were pleased with the crowd," she said. "We had the mayor here and several people that are affiliated with the Republican Party. We were pleased with the crowd."
Riley's demeanor also impressed Jody.
"She was very down to earth and friendly. We hope she will come back."
Approximately 40 people stopped by The Paper Station to meet Riley and pick up some new recipes.
Riley's visit came only five days prior to Tuesday's election. Although her stop was intended for promoting her cookbook, she did campaign some for her husband as well.
"I just want to encourage people to get out and vote," Riley said. "Vote for the local people who are running for office and certainly vote for your state candidates. People fought and died and gave their blood on foreign lands that we would have the right to vote. Please exercise your God-given right, go and vote."
As for the negative campaigns that are overtaking the airwaves as of late, Riley said she is ready for it all to end.
"Negative ads only prove one thing, that you obviously do not want to talk about what you want to do for the State of Alabama," she said. "I've said this from the beginning, if candidates will just tell we the people what they want to do to better our state and to help with our family lives, we would all serve our state so much more effectively than to have these smear campaigns and negative ads. Just give us the facts, that's all the people of Alabama need, just give us the facts."
Riley later enjoyed lunch at Annie's Community Cup.