Steve Flowers

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

Steve Flowers

July 30, 2014

Opinion

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

Steve Flowers

July 23, 2014

Opinion

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

Steve Flowers

July 15, 2014

Opinion

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

Steve Flowers

July 3, 2014

Opinion

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

Steve Flowers

June 18, 2014

Opinion

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

Steve Flowers

June 5, 2014

Democratic Gubernatorial Primary is Today

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter All of the press, money, advertising and attention has been focused on the Alabama Republican Party, where the mega-PACs have all chosen up sides assuming that the GOP will maintain a supermajority in both Houses of the State legislature for another four years. The Alabama Education Association (AEA) is … Continued

Brandon Moseley

June 3, 2014

Opinion

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

Steve Flowers

May 29, 2014

Steve Flowers to be Published by APR

Staff Report MONTGOMERY—The Alabama Political Reporter is pleased to announce the addition of the Steve Flowers weekly report, Inside the Statehouse to its pages. Flowers is considered Alabama’s leading authority on the State’s diverse and intriguing political history. His column, Inside the Statehouse appears in more than 70 newspapers throughout the State with a readership approaching 400,000. APR Editor-in-Chief, … Continued

May 21, 2014

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