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.

Frank Johnson: the Legend and the Free State of Winston

Those of us who are Baby Boomers remember the tumultuous times of the 1960’s. We lived through the Civil Rights revolution. Those of us who grew up here in the Heart of Dixie witnessed the transpiring of racial integration first hand. Most of the crusades and struggles occurred here in Alabama, especially Montgomery. A good … Continued

Steve Flowers

October 24, 2018

Opinion

The Shorty Price story

Since this is Alabama vs. Tennessee week and we have a Governor’s Race in three weeks, allow me to share the Story of Shorty Price. Alabama has had its share of what I call “run for the fun of it” candidates. The most colorful of all these perennial “also ran” candidates was Ralph “Shorty” Price. … Continued

Steve Flowers

October 17, 2018

Opinion

Democrats have three viable candidates, but Republicans will prevail

In politics, perception is reality. It is perceived and therefore factual that a Democrat cannot win a statewide race in Alabama. The proof is in the pudding. We have 29 elected statewide officeholders in the Heart of Dixie. All 29 are Republicans. In addition, 6 out of 7 of our members in Congress are Republican. … Continued

Steve Flowers

October 10, 2018

Opinion

Some politicos learn lessons the hard way

For some untold reason or some would say ungodly reason, I have always been enthralled and involved in politics. As a boy growing up in Troy, I was tutored and trained in the rules and rituals of Alabama politics by two masters of my county’s political history. The Probate Judge and State Representative were my … Continued

Steve Flowers

October 3, 2018

Opinion

Supreme Court rules states can collect online sales tax

The State of Alabama’s fiscal year begins next week on October 1. Our state’s finances are not the best in the world. However, they got a boost from the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year, The high tribunal ruled that states can collect sales tax on internet sales. This was one of the most inequitable … Continued

Steve Flowers

September 26, 2018

Opinion

1986 Governor’s race

Since this is a gubernatorial election year, allow me to share an epic Governor’s Race with you. The 1986 Governor’s race will be remembered as one of Alabama’s most amazing political stories. In 1978 Fob James sent the Three B’s, Brewer, Beasley and Baxley packing. Brewer and Beasley had been permanently exiled to Buck’s Pocket, … Continued

Steve Flowers

September 19, 2018

Opinion

Illegal immigrants and census

Conservative Republicans, like Jeff Sessions, have been obsessed with illegal immigrants for years. Sessions is and has always been a stickler for obeying the laws of our land. He is the most honest, upright, squeaky clean, politician I have ever seen in my lifetime of observing politics in Alabama. He is like Dudley Do Right, … Continued

Steve Flowers

September 12, 2018

Opinion

1978 Governor’s race

Since this is a gubernatorial election year, let’s reminisce about an epic Governor’s Race. The 1978 Governor’s race is one of the classics in Alabama political lore. That Governor’s race between the three heavyweights, former Governor Albert Brewer, Attorney General Bill Baxley, and Lt. Governor Jere Beasley, was expected to be titanic. All three men had last … Continued

Steve Flowers

September 5, 2018

Opinion

BCA is back, bigger and better than ever

Alabama Power is and has always been a force in Alabama politics. Some entities may have influence in the Legislature, but the power company has the ear of folks in all three branches of State government: Legislative, Executive and Judicial. If you sat down with all 35 state senators, especially the veterans who know the ropes … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 29, 2018

Opinion

Inside the Statehouse: Kay just needs to say nothing or do nothing

Recently, I wrote about Alfa’s influence in Alabama politics. In my August 8 column, I said, the Alabama Farmers Federation still controls the Legislature. They use to play in the Governor’s Race. However, they got burned badly by Bob Riley when they helped him get elected and the first thing he did was stab them … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 22, 2018