Steve Flowers: Inside the Statehouse: What happened in the 6th Congressional District?

  This was probably one of the dullest and least interesting gubernatorial election years in memory. It stemmed from the fact that Robert Bentley was a popular incumbent governor and nobody dared to run against him in the Republican Primary. These days winning the Republican Primary is tantamount to election in the Heart of Dixie.

  The only really exciting race was for the open 6th Congressional District seat vacated by Rep. Spencer Bachus. This district encompasses the suburbs of Birmingham and Jefferson County as well as several surrounding conservative counties. It is home to some of the state’s most affluent enclaves, such as Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood and Hoover. It has been ranked in Washington as one of the most Republican congressional districts in the nation. Therefore, the congressman was elected in the summer GOP Primary.

Steve Flowers: Inside the Statehouse: GOP runoff drama

  If you think the turnout was low for the June 3 primary, “then you ain’t seen nothing yet.”  The runoff is next Tuesday. The prognostication is for a paltry 5 percent statewide voter participation. Pundits and columnists should not chastise the average Alabama voter because, for the most part, he or she does not have much reason to vote on July 15.

Steve Flowers: Inside the Statehouse: The race to replace Spencer Bachus

  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 reason for the lack of activity. In addition, the offices of Agriculture Commissioner, Attorney General and Treasurer are held by popular incumbent Republicans who have no significant opposition.

Andrew Kinnaird: Keeping better track of Alabama’s state property

  Supposedly the State of Alabama owns 6,560 individual pieces of real estate. The state "supposedly" owns them because the database from which this information comes, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) "State-Owned Land Registry," is replete with low-quality information.

  For instance, 1,957 of the 6,560 property listings have no explanation of how they are used by state government. 1,597 have no name or description. If the state entities which own and manage these properties don’t have the self-discipline or resources to even report the use and description, how can they be expected to properly manage the very same property?

Steve Flowers: Inside the Statehouse: Behind the House curtain

  With the third regular legislative session of the quadrennium in the books, let us look at the makeup of the new super Republican majority.

  As we have often said, this legislative body may not be deliberative but they are very conservative. These folks are not Republicans in name only.  They are real Republicans.