Author

Steve Flowers

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

Elections

First District has had outstanding congressmen

Current First District Congressman Bradley Byrne is leaving his safe congressional seat to take a shot at the U.S. Senate this year. The Mobile First Congressional District has had quite a legacy over the last century. Alabama’s First District has always been primarily made up of Mobile County. Historically, the rural southwest Alabama counties north … Continued

Steve Flowers

January 22, 2020

Opinion

Methodists have dominated high offices in Alabama history

Even though there are more Baptists than Methodists in Alabama, historically Methodists have held more of the prominent political posts in the Heart of Dixie. If you look closely at these leaders’ lives, a good many of our leaders have been sons of Methodist ministers. The most famous Methodist minister in the state over … Continued

Steve Flowers

January 15, 2020

Opinion

What does the presidential race look like nationally?

Our presidential primary in the Heart of Dixie is less than two months away. We vote on March 3, 2020. President Donald Trump will be the GOP nominee. It is a foregone conclusion that Trump will carry Alabama in the November General Election. One of the most intriguing revelations will be which Democratic presidential candidate … Continued

Steve Flowers

January 8, 2020

Opinion

New year begins, it’s a presidential year

As the new year begins, so does a Presidential election year. For several decades, in fact for most of the twentieth century, Alabamians were more interested in state and local politics than presidential politics. In fact, from 1901 through the 1950’s there were more people voting in a Democratic Primary for Governor than in a … Continued

Steve Flowers

January 1, 2020

Opinion

Legendary Alabama leaders who have passed away

As is my tradition, as the old year comes to a close, I like to pay homage to legendary Alabama leaders who have passed away. We lost some legends in 2019. Although he was a nonpolitical leader, Bart Starr passed away this year at 85. Starr was best known for being the quarterback of the … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 25, 2019

Opinion

Some Henry County stories

One of the really good guys in Alabama government took over the reigns as President of the Alabama Association of County Commissioners this summer. Henry County Probate Judge and County Commission Chairman, David Money, is an extremely outstanding and quality leader for his beloved Henry County. He is revered by his folks in Abbeville, Headland … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 11, 2019

Opinion

The race is on for the U.S Senate

We are less than three months away from the election for our number two U.S. Senate Seat. The winner of the Republican Primary on March 3, 2020 will be our next U.S. Senator. Winning the GOP Primary for any statewide office in a presidential year is tantamount to election in the Heart of Dixie. Jeff … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 4, 2019

Opinion

John McMillan: A good man as state treasurer

Alabama is in good hands with John McMillan. A good man is in the job of State Treasurer of Alabama for the third straight quadrennium. Young Boozer served two successive four-year terms from 2010-2018. Mr. Boozer did an excellent job as Treasurer. He was perfect for the job. He had been a successful banker. He … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 20, 2019

Opinion

State Legislature not very good stepping stone

Early speculation on the 2020 U.S. Senate race had state senator, Del Marsh, listed as a potential GOP aspirant. He had considered making a plunge into the Special Election contest for Jeff Sessions’ seat in 2017 but opted out. Most astute observers never thought he would ultimately pull the trigger then, or this year. Unlike … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 13, 2019

Opinion

The story of Dr. David Bronner, RSA, Robert Trent Jones Golf Courses

Dr. David Bronner has marked his place in Alabama political and governmental history. He has headed the revered Retirement Systems of Alabama Pension Funds for 45 years. When Bronner took his present job with RSA, the Retirement Systems had approximately $500 million of funds. Today RSA has approximately $40 billion in investments making our RSA … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 6, 2019