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.

News

Remembering those we lost in 2017

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse At the close of each year, my tradition is to acknowledge the passing away of significant political leaders from the political stage in our beloved state. We lost some icons this year. As I sit in my office writing this year-end column, pictures of two of my favorite friends … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 27, 2017

Opinion

An undeniable, political truism

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse Well, folks, we have had a more exciting and fun filled political year than we expected. Usually, most of the fun is reserved for even numbered years when presidential or gubernatorial elections are held. However, it’s been a good ride. Obviously, the Special Election for the remaining three years … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 20, 2017

Opinion

They all can’t be lead horses

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse The legendary Speaker of the U.S. House, Sam Rayburn, coined a famous phrase he used often and imparted to young congressmen when they would arrive on Capitol Hill full of vim and vigor. He would sit down with them and invite them to have a bourbon and branch water … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 13, 2017

Opinion

Doug Jones may get close, but close only counts in horseshoes

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse The final vote for the remaining three years of Jeff Sessions six-year term in the U.S. Senate will be next Tuesday. The race is between Democrat Doug Jones and Republican Roy Moore. Jeff Sessions is probably sorry he left his safe Senate seat of 20-years to be at the … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 6, 2017

Opinion

A tribute to a great Alabamian

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse Jim Martin passed away recently in Gadsden at 99 years old. His beloved wife of 70 years, Pat, was by his side. He was a true Christian gentleman. Jim was one of the Fathers of the modern Republican Party in the South. In 1962, John Kennedy was President. Camelot … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 29, 2017

Opinion

The big question will be answered soon

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse The big question in the Senate race is will allegations against Roy Moore and his purported propensities forty-years ago cause him to lose. We will soon see. The election is less than three weeks away. The book on Moore is easy to read. The polls have consistently revealed that … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 22, 2017

Opinion

Baker leads Alabama Community College System into the future

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse In March of this year, the Alabama Community College System took a giant leap forward when it brought on a giant in state government and one of Alabama’s preeminent leaders, Jimmy Baker, to be chancellor. When you have a conversation with Chancellor Baker, he uses words that you do … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 15, 2017

Opinion

Looking at races and ruin

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers We still have the culmination of the race for the seat of Jeff Sessions set to be determined in less than five weeks on December 12. Roy Moore, as the Republican nominee, is the favorite. However, the Democrat, Doug Jones could make it a closer race than first thought. … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 8, 2017

Opinion

Alabama’s Silver Haired Legislature

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers With all the changes and uncertainty surrounding Alabama government in recent months, including political appointments, high level resignations, special elections, runoff elections and a host of new candidates tossing their names into the 2018 election circus, Alabamians might be relieved to know one thing remains steady and solid and … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 1, 2017

Opinion

Political fortunes come and go

By Steve Flowers Inside the State House Now that the dust has settled from the Republican Senate primary, we can focus on the much-anticipated 2018 elections. Kay Ivey is definitely running for governor. She raised over one million dollars in a few short weeks in August with an exploratory committee. As of the last reporting … Continued

Steve Flowers

October 18, 2017