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.

Warning: Dull Election Ahead

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers The 2014 General Election is Tuesday. It is set to be uneventful. I predicted over a year ago that this election year was going to be dull and, folks, my prognostication has come to fruition. This year has been a yawner from the get go. Even the GOP and … Continued

Steve Flowers

October 30, 2014

Opinion

The Inevitable Novel National Surprise

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers This year’s state primary elections have brought very little drama or surprises. However, there have been the inevitable novel surprises nationwide. One of the most glaring jaw droppers was the defeat of Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in Virginia. He lost his House seat to a Tea Party … Continued

Steve Flowers

October 15, 2014

Opinion

Looking Back at Fobs Fumbles

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers Old Fob James had an unusual political personality. When he was out of the Governor’s office he showed a tremendous yearning to get back. The proof is he sought the office in 1986 and lost in the Democratic primary and lost again in 1990 in the primary. However, he … Continued

Steve Flowers

October 1, 2014

Opinion

Governor Hunt’s Achilles Heel

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers When Guy Hunt won the Governor’s race over Bill Baxley in 1986 it was well publicized that he was a part-time Primitive Baptist preacher. He was also billed as a part-time Amway salesman. These common man vocations appealed to the average Alabama voter. It was Hunt’s calling as a … Continued

Steve Flowers

September 24, 2014

Opinion

Governor Guy Hunt, Election and Reelection

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers When Guy Hunt took office as the first Republican governor in January of 1987 not much was expected of him. After all, he had been elected only because of the backlash resulting from the handpicking of Bill Baxley over Charlie Graddick by the Democratic Party leadership. Very few people … Continued

Steve Flowers

September 17, 2014

Opinion

Governors Fob James and George Wallace

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers As George Wallace presumably faded into the sunset, Fob James took the reigns of Alabama state government in January of 1979. Fob’s inauguration was a somewhat strange event as Alabamians were used to a Wallace being sworn in as governor every fourth January since 1963. It had been 20 … Continued

Steve Flowers

September 4, 2014

Opinion

Brewer Becomes Alabama’s Working Governor

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers Upon Lurleen Wallace’s death in May of 1968, Lt. Governor Albert Brewer moved up to Governor. Brewer was no novice to state government. He came to the legislature from Morgan County at a very early age and rose quickly to become Speaker of the House during his second term. … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 12, 2014

Opinion

De Graffenreid Enters Gubernatorial Scene

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers If race was a major issue in 1958, being the racist candidate in 1962 was the only way to be elected governor. With this issue in hand and Wallace’s love for campaigning and remembering names, he would have beaten anybody that year. Big Jim was really no match for … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 30, 2014

Opinion

Big Jim Was Loved by Alabamians

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers The 1962 Governor’s Race really began in 1958. The Governor’s office and the race for it was the big show in Alabama politics in that era. Being a U.S. Senator was secondary in Alabama politics. Governor is still probably the most important and glamorous political position today, but it … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 23, 2014

Opinion

Historic Struggles to be Alabama’s Governor

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers As the 1958 Governor’s race dawned the shadow of Big Jim Folsom loomed over the scene. Even though Big Jim could not be on the ballot, because the Alabama Constitution prohibited a governor from succeeding himself, his larger than life presence was pervasive. Although Big Jim was prohibited from … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 15, 2014