Steve Flowers

News

Alabama’s Year of the Woman

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse This political year of 2018 may very well be the Year of the Woman in Alabama politics. In Alabama’s 200 year history, only one woman has been elected governor. Lurleen Wallace won in 1966. Only two women have served as governor, Governor Lurleen and our current governor, Kay Ivey. … Continued

Steve Flowers

January 31, 2018

Opinion

Sen. Jones has little wiggle room facing 2020

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse As the 2018 state elections begin, let’s take one last look at the 2017 Special Election to fill the remaining three years of Jeff Sessions’ six-year term which, by the way, comes up in two years in 2020. It is assumed by most astute political observers that the winner, … Continued

Steve Flowers

January 24, 2018

Opinion

“They May as Well Move the Capitol to Tuscaloosa”

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse Awhile back, during Dr. Robert Bentley’s tenure as governor, I wrote a column entitled, “They May as Well Move the Capitol to Tuscaloosa.” Never before in Alabama history has a city had a sitting governor and the state’s senior U.S. Senator hail from that particular place. Even with the … Continued

Steve Flowers

January 18, 2018

Opinion

History may record Sen. Richard Shelby as Alabama’s greatest senator

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse A few months back the Jefferson County Republican Party honored our Senior U.S. Senator, Richard Shelby. It was held at The Club in Birmingham. The view from atop Red Mountain from this elegant club is spectacular, especially at night from the ballroom. The glass enclosure allows you to see … Continued

Steve Flowers

January 10, 2018

Opinion

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

Steve Flowers

December 27, 2017

Opinion

An undeniable, political truism

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse Well, folks, we have had a more exciting and fun filled political year than we expected. Usually, most of the fun is reserved for even numbered years when presidential or gubernatorial elections are held. However, it’s been a good ride. Obviously, the Special Election for the remaining three years … Continued

Steve Flowers

December 20, 2017

Opinion

A tribute to a great Alabamian

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse Jim Martin passed away recently in Gadsden at 99 years old. His beloved wife of 70 years, Pat, was by his side. He was a true Christian gentleman. Jim was one of the Fathers of the modern Republican Party in the South. In 1962, John Kennedy was President. Camelot … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 29, 2017

Opinion

The big question will be answered soon

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse The big question in the Senate race is will allegations against Roy Moore and his purported propensities forty-years ago cause him to lose. We will soon see. The election is less than three weeks away. The book on Moore is easy to read. The polls have consistently revealed that … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 22, 2017

Opinion

Baker leads Alabama Community College System into the future

By Steve Flowers Inside the Statehouse In March of this year, the Alabama Community College System took a giant leap forward when it brought on a giant in state government and one of Alabama’s preeminent leaders, Jimmy Baker, to be chancellor. When you have a conversation with Chancellor Baker, he uses words that you do … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 15, 2017

Opinion

Alabama’s Silver Haired Legislature

INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE By Steve Flowers With all the changes and uncertainty surrounding Alabama government in recent months, including political appointments, high level resignations, special elections, runoff elections and a host of new candidates tossing their names into the 2018 election circus, Alabamians might be relieved to know one thing remains steady and solid and … Continued

Steve Flowers

November 1, 2017