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.

Hot political summer in the City of Montgomery

It has been a long hot summer in Montgomery, and I do not mean at the Capitol or Statehouse, but in the City of Montgomery itself. There is a heated and pivotal mayor’s race. It has been considered a foregone conclusion that Montgomery will elect their first African American mayor this year. It is probably … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 21, 2019

Opinion

The story of Floyd Mann

One of the legendary figures in Alabama political lore is Col. Floyd Mann. Mann was public safety director for two governors. His lifetime friend, John Patterson, made him his public safety director while he was governor, 1958-1962 and Gov. Albert Brewer chose Mann to be his director while he was governor, 1968-1970. The public safety … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 14, 2019

Opinion

The Phenix City story

There are very few Alabamians left who remember the 1950’s story of Phenix City, Alabama. After World War II, a good many of the military soldiers, enlisted men, stayed on for a while. A host of them were stationed at Ft. Benning in Columbus, Georgia. As many of you know, Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 7, 2019

Opinion

Those who bake the pie get to eat it

Gov. Kay Ivey’s first legislative session of the quadrennium was very successful. Her prowess at getting things accomplished with this Legislature has been remarkable. She knows what she is doing. It should not be surprising given her background and experience. Kay Ivey has been around state government for most of her adult life. She has … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 31, 2019

Opinion

2020 U.S. Senate race

The long hot summer has brought some crystallization to the 2020 U.S. Senate race. This seat is the Senate Seat held by Senator Jeff Sessions for almost two decades. He unwittingly made a strange and probably very regrettable decision to join President Donald J. Trump’s administration as attorney general. Very few U. S. Senators with … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 24, 2019

Opinion

Alabama is a Republican State but U.S. is probably a Democratic Nation

The 2020 Presidential Election year has already begun. It usually begins on Labor Day of the year prior to the Election. However, in recent decades the parade has started early. They really are four-year caravans. They begin the day after the President is sworn in. Indeed, President Trump never shut down his campaign organization, … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 17, 2019

Opinion

2020 races around the corner

Folks, don’t look now, but the 2020 Presidential Election is upon us. Indeed, as many as 21 Democratic aspirants are already announced and campaigning. They are quite a liberal group as you might expect. Leading the pack of Democrats trying to take Donald Trump out of the White House is an avowed, true socialist, Bernie … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 10, 2019

Opinion

Legislative session for most part successful, especially for Ivey

The 2019 Legislative Session was one of the most controversial yet productive sessions in memory. Governor Kay Ivey’s first Session of the Quadrennial was a roaring success. It’s hard to remember a governor getting everything they wanted since the George Wallace heydays. Wallace in his prime simply controlled the legislature. It was more like an … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 3, 2019

Opinion

State ethics law not tough enough for ole Rankin Fite

State Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia, has been in the Alabama House and Alabama Senate for over 40 years. That is a record in Alabama history and definitely a record of longevity for any Jefferson County legislator in history. Waggoner has had a significant impact on behalf of the folks in Jefferson County over his stellar … Continued

Steve Flowers

June 26, 2019

Opinion

One vote can make a difference

Some of us who were former legislators, who served our counties in the Legislature a long time, were considered by many to always be their legislator. A good many of my former constituents still call me with questions or problems. Some ask me how to get in touch with their congressman or senator about a … Continued

Steve Flowers

June 19, 2019