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.

The race is on

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers The race for our open US Senate seat will be the marquee political event for the remainder of this year. It will be a great show. However, we have a sensational and pivotal 2018 Governor’s race evolving simultaneously. This much-anticipated gubernatorial derby will be affected by the preliminary Senate … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 18, 2017

Opinion

Working hard for the people

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers Most times political columns are critical or derogatory of politicians. However, today I would like to share some positive observations from the first few months of this year. Sometimes I enjoy striding down the halls of our old capitol reminiscing about my younger days when I would walk those … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 10, 2017

Opinion

The race is on for Senate

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers The decisive move by newly minted Governor Kay Ivey, to declare a Special Election for Jeff Sessions’ Senate Seat this year rather than next year changes the entire complexion of who will sit in that coveted seat. It also redefines the landscape of an ever changing and pivotal Alabama … Continued

Steve Flowers

April 26, 2017

Opinion

A great movie, but would anyone believe it?

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers We in the Deep South have a unique history of political theatrics. The only northern states that rival our colorfulness are New Jersey and Illinois. In those two states you are expected to be corrupt, especially Chicago. Our most colorful southern state has always been Louisiana. The parishes and … Continued

Steve Flowers

April 19, 2017

Opinion

The Democrat Derby

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers Last week we handicapped some of the potential horses in the upcoming 2018 Governor’s Race. We mentioned Judge Roy Moore, PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh, Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan, Secretary of State John Merrill, State Treasurer Young Boozer, State Senator Del Marsh and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. Some others that … Continued

Steve Flowers

March 29, 2017

Opinion

Governor’s Derby

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers We are on the cusp of one of the best political years in modern political history in the Heart of Dixie. Prior to the 1970’s our constitution disallowed succession of office for our state constitutional offices. In other words, you could not run for two consecutive four year terms. … Continued

Steve Flowers

March 22, 2017

Opinion

Internet tax, roads need attention

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers My tradition for over two decades has been to give my children money for Christmas. Under this system there is no returning of items. They get what they want or need. There is no way that I would know what style of clothing, color or size they like. It … Continued

Steve Flowers

March 15, 2017

Opinion

Lame Duck Governor wants prisons

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers The premier issue of this year’s legislative session will be whether to borrow a massive amount of money to build new prisons in the state. This initiative appears to be our lame duck Governor Robert Bentley’s primary agenda. Last year Bentley proposed an $800 million bond issue for new … Continued

Steve Flowers

March 8, 2017

Opinion

Money from BP is spent

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers We have unbelievable natural resources in Alabama starting with the Tennessee Valley and transcending to the beautiful white sands at Gulf Shores. Many of our natural resources have been exploited over the years. The prime example would be the exploitation of our rich vaults of iron ore discovered in … Continued

Steve Flowers

March 1, 2017

Opinion

The circus begins, and it will leave a mess behind

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers As I have suggested to you, we are looking at one momentous 2018 election year, and it has begun. Get this folks, we have an open governor’s race. We have openings at Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Agriculture Commissioner, three seats on the Supreme Court including the Chief … Continued

Steve Flowers

February 22, 2017