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.

What happened to BCA

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers During my tenure in the legislature in the 1980’s and 1990’s, political party affiliation was not as pronounced as it is today. We were identified within the Montgomery/Capitol arena as either a conservative pro-business legislator or a liberal pro-union/pro-trial lawyer legislator. Similar to when someone new arrives in Alabama … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 26, 2017

Opinion

Down the homestretch in US Senate race

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers As the horse race for our open US Senate seat heads down the stretch, let’s look at the lay of the land. All indications are that Roy Moore and Luther Strange are headed for a one-two finish on August 15 and ultimately a runoff on September 26. The winner … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 19, 2017

Opinion

Sprint to the primary

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers The race for our open U.S. Senate seat is evolving. Folks, we are in a brief 33-day sprint to the primary on August 15. The winner of the Republican Primary will be our next junior U.S. Senator. The December 12 General Election will be a coronation for the Republican. … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 12, 2017

Opinion

Off to an eventful start

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers As we take a mid-year look at Alabama politics, it has been an eventful first half of the year. It is not every year that a governor resigns mid-term. Governor Robert Bentley’s resignation from office on April 10 will more than likely be the most newsworthy story of the … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 5, 2017

Opinion

Landslide Luther?

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers In Alabama politics many times appointments to political offices filled by an acting governor have an adverse effect on that appointee if and when they seek election to that office for a full term. Every time George Wallace appointed someone to a political post, even in the prime of … Continued

Steve Flowers

June 28, 2017

Opinion

One for the record books

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers The much-anticipated 2018 election contests have been pushed back by about three months due to the unanticipated race for Jeff Sessions’ senate seat. This ongoing contest will occupy the news through late September. It was previously thought that June 6 would be the opening bell since fundraising for next … Continued

Steve Flowers

June 22, 2017

Opinion

Governor’s race shaped by unforeseen forces

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers Those of us who follow Alabama politics had circled June 6, 2017 as the beginning of the 2018 governor’s race. However, we did not foresee Donald Trump’s election as President in November and the subsequent appointment of our U.S. Senator, Jeff Sessions, as his Attorney General, thus, opening a … Continued

Steve Flowers

June 14, 2017

Opinion

Remembering the great

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers Since we are in the midst of an election for a US Senator, let me share the story of one of the most prestigious congressional families in Alabama history. The Bankheads of Jasper would likely be the most prominent political family in Alabama political lore. More than likely there … Continued

Steve Flowers

June 7, 2017

Opinion

Sprint to August 15

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers As the race for our open U.S. Senate seat begins, let’s look at the lay of the land. First-of-all it will be a sprint. The race is upon us with the primaries on August 15 and the run-off six weeks later on September 26. The Republican primary victor will … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 31, 2017

Opinion

Handicapping the field

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers Well folks, the field is set for the sprint to fill the open US Senate seat of Jeff Sessions. The primary is less than three months away on August 15. There will probably be a run-off on September 26 and the winner of that GOP run-off will be our … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 24, 2017