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.

New federal judges in Alabama — Future legacy

Regardless of what happens in Donald Trump’s administration over the next two years, he will have a proven record of success as President especially if you are a conservative American. One of, if not the most important accomplishment of any president is the opportunity to appoint a United States Supreme Court Justice. Folks, Trump has … Continued

Steve Flowers

January 23, 2019

Opinion

What will our Congressional districts look like after the 2020 Census

Preparations are being made to take the 2020 Census. This process is not just a fun game to spell out demographic changes and interesting tidbits about us as Americans. It is a very important mandate dictated by the Constitution. The number of people counted determines how many seats each state has in Congress. Thus, it … Continued

Steve Flowers

January 16, 2019

Opinion

A look at Alabama’s 1940’s Congressional Delegation

Recently I came across a copy of an old congressional directory from 1942. It is always fun for me to read about this era in American political history. Franklin Delano Roosevelt had been first elected in 1932 in the depths of the Great Depression. He would go on to be reelected in 1936, 1940 and … Continued

Steve Flowers

January 9, 2019

Opinion

A new quadrennium: Alabama potpourri and trivia

As we begin this New Year of 2019, Alabama begins a new quadrennium in state government. All of our Constitutional state officeholders begin their new four-year terms this month. Governor Kay Ivey will be sworn in for a four-year term on January 14. Also, being sworn in on Inauguration Day will be Will Ainsworth as … Continued

Steve Flowers

January 2, 2019

Opinion

We lost some great leaders in 2018

As is my custom at the close of the year, I like to memorialize great Alabamians who have appeared and lived legendary lives upon the stage of political history in the Heart of Dixie. This year we have had some real legends. I have expanded the geographical limits to outside of Alabama to include two … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 26, 2018

Opinion

Inside the Statehouse: very few white Democrats left in Legislature

The Republican tidal wave that swept Alabama’s statewide officeholders to landslide victories filtered down to legislative races. Even though our legislature really didn’t need to become any more conservative or Republican, it did anyway. We had a super majority Republican State House and Senate. We now have a super, super GOP majority. Republicans picked up … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 18, 2018

Opinion

Inside the Statehouse: Last of famous probate judges: Hardy McCollum

In Alabama political history, the office of Probate Judge was the most powerful and prestigious position. In the old days, in every county in Alabama, the probate judge was not only judge, he also appointed all county positions, hired all county employees and was Chairman of the County Commission. He was essentially the “King of … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 13, 2018

Opinion

Inside the Statehouse: Further analysis of general election – winners and losers

Now that the dust has settled on this year’s elections, let’s look back at who are the big winners and losers of the year. The obvious winner in the Heart of Dixie is the Republican Party. The GOP retained the reins of the state’s highest office and every other statewide Constitutional position. Kay Ivey was … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 5, 2018

Opinion

Analysis of General Election

A few last thoughts and observations on our November 6 General Election in Alabama. Our new 55th Governor looked and sounded more like the old Kay Ivey, than the one we have seen the past few years and during the campaign. She was vibrant, succinct to the point, had a perfectly timed and unscripted victory … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 28, 2018

Opinion

Inside the Statehouse: Alabama vs. Auburn game

The only sport that Alabamians enjoy more than Alabama politics is college football. We especially love the Alabama vs. Auburn football game. Folks, this is Alabama/Auburn week in Alabama. The Alabama vs. Auburn annual event is one of the fiercest of college football rivalries. It is the game of the year. It is a state civil war that divides … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 21, 2018