WATERLOO - Friends of Robert Fulton said the former Iowa governor is making steady progress after suffering a massive stroke Thursday.

Don Hoth of Waterloo said Fulton is fully alert and has regained limited speech. The stroke paralyzed the left side of his body, but he can move his left leg and responded to stimulus on his left arm.

Blockage remains in a carotid artery, Hoth said, and doctors need to decide if Fulton is strong enough for surgery.

"I think, overall, the prognosis is pretty good. The doctors said it's serious, but they're hopeful," he said.

Fulton is at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He will turn 80 May 13.

Fulton served as governor for 16 days in 1969 after former Gov. Harold Hughes was sworn in as a U.S. senator.