influence

As I observe the Legislature, it occurs to me that I am getting older. A lot of the legislators and lobbyists I have known over the years have moved on. Montgomery is no longer an “Old Boys Club.” A cursory look at a typical day at the Alabama Statehouse would surprise you. An increasing number … Continued

The Alabama Supreme Court on Monday granted a review of former House Speaker Mike Hubbard’s conviction on 11 felony counts — yet again surprising the legal community with its willingness to bend to political influence. Since the ALSC took up the case seven months ago, many in the legal community felt that Hubbard’s appeal was … Continued

House Democrats say new rules passed during an organization session earlier this week will subvert Democracy and limit the small Democratic minority’s ability to have any say or influence on legislation. “The New Procedural Rule Changes by House Republicans will silence the voices of citizens and minimize legislators ability to fully vet key legislation,” Minority … Continued

Alabama does not have an ethics commission. Oh, sure, there’s a group of people who meet once per month in a room in Montgomery, and the sign out front reads “Alabama Ethics Commission,” but trust me, they’re not. Because an ethics commission — a real one — has one primary goal: To uphold the ethics … Continued

Alabama Power is and has always been a force in Alabama politics. Some entities may have influence in the Legislature, but the power company has the ear of folks in all three branches of State government: Legislative, Executive and Judicial. If you sat down with all 35 state senators, especially the veterans who know the ropes … Continued

Recently, I wrote about Alfa’s influence in Alabama politics. In my August 8 column, I said, the Alabama Farmers Federation still controls the Legislature. They use to play in the Governor’s Race. However, they got burned badly by Bob Riley when they helped him get elected and the first thing he did was stab them … Continued

Recently, Poarch Band of Creek Indians Vice Chair Robbie McGhee told a statewide candidate what many insiders have known for sometime. “We are BCA,” boastfully proclaimed the tribal leader. McGhee is known as a shortsighted, impulsive leader who uses PCI’s vast riches like a child in a toy store whose reach exceeds his grasp. For … Continued