Goat Hill

Did the Legislature paint themselves into a corner?

There were hosannas and smiles all over Goat Hill when the Legislature recently passed a bill calling for a vote on a constitutional amendment next March as to whether Alabama should have an elected state school board or one appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate. The fact it passed the senate … Continued

Larry Lee

July 22, 2019

Opinion

Gas Tax: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The increased gas tax became law this week amid much Goat Hill fanfare, reminding me of a Clint Eastwood line from an epic western: “I’ve never seen so many men wasted so badly.” The Alabama Policy Institute has said for weeks that improved state infrastructure is important, but that conservative principles must guide the increase: … Continued

Phil Williams

March 14, 2019

Opinion

Inside the Statehouse: Primary political potpourri

Now that the dust has settled on the primaries, allow me to share with you some thoughts on the Alabama political stage. There is an old saying that says the more things change, the more they stay the same. This old adage is true in Alabama politics. First of all, “All politics is local.” In the … Continued

Steve Flowers

August 9, 2018

Opinion

Inside the State House: The Capitol Press Corps

By Steve Flowers Inside the State House I have written about the legendary capitol reporters who use to cover Goat Hill. There was Bob Ingram of the Montgomery Advertiser, Al Fox of the Birmingham News, Hugh Sparrow of the Birmingham News, Rex Thomas of the Associated Press, Don Martin of UPI and Clarke Stallworth of … Continued

Steve Flowers

February 14, 2018

Opinion

What to do about Bentley?

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter Vice, vainer and corruption has left Alabama a leaderless State, but there is hope that some with integrity will step forward to fill the void. Governor Robert Bentley has long ago forfeited any claim of moral leadership and to list his many failings would be as tedious as it … Continued

Bill Britt

February 20, 2017

Bentley turns to Survey Monkey for Sessions replacement

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter The appointment to replace Senator Jeff Sessions rests squarely on the shoulders of Governor Robert Bentley. In a recent email obtained by the Alabama Political Reporter, Bentley’s Appointments Director, Will Edwards, asks the members of the State’s Republican Party Executive Committee for input on the appointment of Sessions’ successor: … Continued

Bill Britt

November 21, 2016

Carter Returns to Finance in Troubling Times

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Former Deputy State Finance Director, Clinton Carter, is returning to the government service to advise on revenue and financial policy. According to sources in Governor Robert Bentley’s inner circle, and those with close ties to Finance, Carter is being groomed to replace Acting Finances Director, Bill Newton. Reliable insiders … Continued

Bill Britt

August 29, 2016

Opinion

Explain and Denounce

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter During the thirteen-day trial in Lee County, the Shadow government, ruled by former Gov. Bob Riley, Mike Hubbard and BCA’s Billy Canary, was partially exposed. The race to replace the third head of Alabama’s “Triumvirate of greed,” began just as Hubbard’s hands were cuffed behind his back. One of … Continued

Bill Britt

June 27, 2016

Opinion

Public Corruption In Alabama Thrives Under Republican Leaders

By Jack Campbell Alabama Political Reporter As I follow the public corruption trial of House Speaker Mike Hubbard, I am reminded of the great promises made by him as he traveled the state in 2010 as the then-chair of the Alabama Republican Party. It sounded like a broken record as Hubbard spoke and wrote about … Continued

Jack Campbell

June 3, 2016

Opinion

Who is the Enemy Now?

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter “We have met the enemy and he is us,” is a famous quote from the comic strip, Pogo, by Walt Kelly. After the 2014 elections, this should be the unofficial motto of the Alabama Republican Party, especially the embattled, Legislative and Executive Branches. Gov. Robert Bentley is battling the … Continued

Bill Britt

March 21, 2016