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.

Talk Starts About Who Will Be Governor in 2018?

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers When talk turns to politics in Alabama it usually leads to the Governor’s race. It does not matter if the Governor’s race is four years away, political gossip starts early as to who will run for Governor. In Alabama politics the Governor’s office is the brass ring. As each … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 3, 2014

Opinion

No Surprises in Primary Election

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers There is an old adage that says the more things change the more they remain the same. This is certainly apropos for this year’s primary elections. On election night, I kept looking for some upset or surprise. It was not forthcoming. Essentially every incumbent won reelection, especially when it … Continued

Steve Flowers

June 18, 2014

Opinion

Election Should Hold No Suprises

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers You know the results of Tuesday’s primary elections. However, my column had to go to press prior to Tuesday’s vote. Therefore, we will discuss and analyze the outcome next week. It is doubtful that there were any surprises. Gov. Robert Bentley more than likely waltzed to the GOP nomination. … Continued

Steve Flowers

June 5, 2014

Opinion

Low Turnout Expected for Primaries

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers Believe it or not we are less than one week away from the 2014 Primary Elections. The Republican and Democratic primaries are next Tuesday. The turnout may be historically low. The reason is simple. There are no good statewide races on the ballot. The Governor’s race is usually a … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 29, 2014

Opinion

This Primary Season Not Very Exciting

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers May 21, 2014: My early and continuous prognostication that this would be a lackluster political season has been justified. It may very well be the least interesting gubernatorial politicking year in memory. The fact that Gov. Robert Bentley is waltzing to reelection with essentially no opposition is the primary … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 20, 2014

Opinion

Bentley and Alabama’s Prison Crisis

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers In 1967 when Lurleen Wallace became governor, one of her first missions was a trip to Bryce Mental Hospital in her native Tuscaloosa. The conditions she saw at Alabama’s primary mental health facility were beyond deplorable. It was a heart wrenching and Damascus road experience for the demure and … Continued

Steve Flowers

May 20, 2014