Inside the Statehouse

The Balance of Power

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers Sometimes when I observe national politics I am enthralled by the magnificent creation of our American government. When our forefathers founded our democracy it was grounded in British parliamentarian philosophy with a unique American blend, which of course omitted a monarchy. Now, 240 years later, it is a very … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 20, 2016

Opinion

Hold On to Your Seats

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers As if we have not been inundated enough with politics this year, hold on to your seats. Over the next few weeks that is all you will hear, read or see. The Republican Convention is set for July 18-22 in Cleveland and the Democratic Convention will begin on July … Continued

Steve Flowers

July 13, 2016

Opinion

The Mike Hubbard Saga

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers The older you get the more you realize that old adages you heard as a child are true. There is a political maxim that says, “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” It could very aptly be applied to the Mike Hubbard saga. Mike Hubbard was born and raised … Continued

Steve Flowers

June 29, 2016

Opinion

Moore Has Found His Horse

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers As we look back over the past year’s political events one week stands out. During one week in the middle of 2015, three momentous events occurred. All three came down bang, bang, bang in the week leading up to the fourth of July. First was the landmark decision by … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 23, 2015

Opinion

Vetting the Horses

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE by Steve Flowers Last week I gave you an alphabetical list of the 18 potential horses in the 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial Derby. We will begin this week handicapping them in descending order. The Number 18 horse is current Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard. We will know whether the beleaguered Speaker of … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 25, 2015

Opinion

Shelby’s Gamble

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers In 1986 Richard Shelby was a 50-year-old congressman from Tuscaloosa. He was elected to congress eight years earlier, after two successful four-year terms in the Alabama State Senate. However, Shelby was ready to move up again. He was planning to run for the United States Senate. Shelby had never … Continued

Steve Flowers

October 7, 2015

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