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.

Bentley Doing The Right Thing

By Steve Flowers Folks, I have been observing and participating in the legislative process for over 50 years. Lest you think I am real old, I started paging in the legislature when I was 12, served in the House of Representatives close to two decades, and have been reporting on the legislative process for now … Continued

Steve Flowers

September 21, 2016

Opinion

All Politics is local

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers There is no truer adage in the political world than “all politics is local.” therefore, the best politics and the best governing in the state is at the local level. The mayors of cities and towns throughout Alabama are the real governors of the state. Running a city is … Continued

Steve Flowers

September 14, 2016

Opinion

Sen. Sessions Alabama’s Man in D.C.

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers Throughout this year’s prodigious presidential selection process our junior senator, Jeff Sessions, has been at the forefront. He has become the darling of the extreme right throughout the country. He is and has been one of the most conservative members of the U.S. Senate for close to two decades … Continued

Steve Flowers

September 7, 2016

Opinion

Long Hot Summer Coming to an End

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers With Labor Day approaching it signifies that the long hot summer will soon be coming to an end. It seems that the summers are getting hotter and hotter. I was born and raised in south Alabama so I was accustomed to long hot summers. I remember when there was … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 31, 2016

Opinion

How Media Changes Elections

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers In 1960 television was a new medium. Most Americans did not have televisions in the early 1950’s. However, by 1960 the majority of the country had fallen in love with Lucy and TV. Presidential races had been run by party bosses in urban enclaves like New York and Boston. … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 24, 2016

Opinion

Dire Threats, Opportunities

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers As anticipated, a special Legislative Session has been called by Governor Robert Bentley. The Session is set to begin this Monday, August 15. Dr. Bentley has bemoaned the fact that the legislature refused to grant Medicaid the $85 million they said they needed in the budget fiscal year, which … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 10, 2016

Opinion

As the World Turns Alabama-style

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers Now that the national conventions are over and we have had a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming fall presidential contest, let us turn our attention back to our good ole state politics. Even though we do not have any good state races this year, it does … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 3, 2016

Opinion

The Future of the Supreme Court at Stake

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers As we have watched and participated in the presidential foray this entire year, an equally important event occurred. The death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in February is a very important event in American government. Scalia’s unexpected death at 79 could affect the ideological tilt of the … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 27, 2016

Opinion

The Balance of Power

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers Sometimes when I observe national politics I am enthralled by the magnificent creation of our American government. When our forefathers founded our democracy it was grounded in British parliamentarian philosophy with a unique American blend, which of course omitted a monarchy. Now, 240 years later, it is a very … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 20, 2016

Opinion

Hold On to Your Seats

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers As if we have not been inundated enough with politics this year, hold on to your seats. Over the next few weeks that is all you will hear, read or see. The Republican Convention is set for July 18-22 in Cleveland and the Democratic Convention will begin on July … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 13, 2016