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Steve Flowers

Steve Flowers

Steve Flowers served 16 years in the state legislature. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Steve may be reached at [email protected].

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
August 12, 2014

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
July 30, 2014

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
July 23, 2014

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
July 15, 2014

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
July 3, 2014

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
June 18, 2014

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
June 5, 2014

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
May 29, 2014

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
May 20, 2014

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
May 20, 2014