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Inside the Statehouse

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Milton McGregor still on the scene

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse As the June primaries for our statewide races get closer, there is a lot of media attention and stories written about the power being wielded by special interests, PACs and big money. They focus on the large amount of cash and influence being bet on the horses for governor and … Continued
March 7, 2018

Steve Flowers: Shelby, Ivey can brush off Senate special election critiques

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse A few weeks back my column illuminated the career and influence attained by our senior U.S. Senator Richard Shelby. In the column and in my book, “Six Decades of Alabama Political Stories,” I reference the fact that our current senior senator will be regarded as one of Alabama’s greatest … Continued
February 7, 2018

Remembering those we lost in 2017

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse At the close of each year, my tradition is to acknowledge the passing away of significant political leaders from the political stage in our beloved state. We lost some icons this year. As I sit in my office writing this year-end column, pictures of two of my favorite friends … Continued
December 27, 2017

Landslide Luther?

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers In Alabama politics many times appointments to political offices filled by an acting governor have an adverse effect on that appointee if and when they seek election to that office for a full term. Every time George Wallace appointed someone to a political post, even in the prime of … Continued
June 28, 2017

A great movie, but would anyone believe it?

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers We in the Deep South have a unique history of political theatrics. The only northern states that rival our colorfulness are New Jersey and Illinois. In those two states you are expected to be corrupt, especially Chicago. Our most colorful southern state has always been Louisiana. The parishes and … Continued
April 19, 2017

The Democrat Derby

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers Last week we handicapped some of the potential horses in the upcoming 2018 Governor’s Race. We mentioned Judge Roy Moore, PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh, Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan, Secretary of State John Merrill, State Treasurer Young Boozer, State Senator Del Marsh and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. Some others that … Continued
March 29, 2017

Governor’s Derby

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers We are on the cusp of one of the best political years in modern political history in the Heart of Dixie. Prior to the 1970’s our constitution disallowed succession of office for our state constitutional offices. In other words, you could not run for two consecutive four year terms. … Continued
March 22, 2017

Internet tax, roads need attention

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers My tradition for over two decades has been to give my children money for Christmas. Under this system there is no returning of items. They get what they want or need. There is no way that I would know what style of clothing, color or size they like. It … Continued
March 15, 2017

Lame Duck Governor wants prisons

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers The premier issue of this year’s legislative session will be whether to borrow a massive amount of money to build new prisons in the state. This initiative appears to be our lame duck Governor Robert Bentley’s primary agenda. Last year Bentley proposed an $800 million bond issue for new … Continued
March 8, 2017

Things are getting complex

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers This third year of the quadrennium Regular Session of the legislature has recently gotten a lot more complex. These next four months will be trying times for the Alabama legislature. They will not only have to deal with a beleaguered General Fund Budget that has to feed a money-eating … Continued
February 15, 2017