One of Yellowhammer’s missions is to give our readers a peak behind-the-curtain of Alabama politics. In keeping with that mission, the first major feature Yellowhammer Politics, the predecessor to Yellowhammer News, ever published was the 2012 Power & Influence 40 list.
This 40-person list featured who we considered to be the most powerful and influential players in Alabama politics. It included elected officials, government agency heads, lobbyists, trade association leaders, political consultants, staffers and many other individuals who wield power and influence over the political process in our state, many of whom the average citizen probably does not even know exist.
Next week, The Power & Influence 40 will return for a third year. The Yellowhammer team is working tirelessly to give you the most comprehensive, in-depth list we have ever produced.
We have once again been gathering feedback from elected officials, business leaders, grassroots activists, and a myriad of political insiders from every corner of Alabama state politics to help assemble the list.
We will debate whose stock has risen and fallen over the past 12 months. We will factor in the differences between power — the ability to act unilaterally — and influence — the ability to shape the thinking of the decision makers. We will even consider each individual’s ability to be influential compared to the frequency with which they actually exert their influence.
In a nutshell, The Power & Influence 40 really comes down to who in Alabama politics can turn ideas into reality, and who can stop that same process from happening for others.
Our only limitation is that we restrict the list to only Alabama state politics. None of our U.S. Congressman, Senators or members of their staffs are eligible.
Here are a few examples from last year’s list:
Jabo Waggoner | Majority Leader | Alabama Senate
Waggoner is an institution in Alabama politics. He has been in the Alabama legislature since 1966, and is now serving his 6th term in the Alabama Senate. He’s been a stalwart legislator for the Alabama business community for decades. “He’s possibly the single most pro-business legislator in Montgomery,” one insider told Yellowhammer. As Rules Chairman, Waggoner exercises significant discretion over what bills even make it to the floor for debate. That alone would make him top 10, but Waggoner’s added clout makes him top 5. He’s in the middle of his fifth decade in Montgomery and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Paul Bryant, Jr. | Chairman | Bryant Bank, President Pro Tem | UA System Board of Trustees
Bryant has the most recognizable name in the state of Alabama, and he’s proven to be an able protector of his late father’s legacy. Bryant Bank is one of Alabama’s most successful private banks, and he’s the most widely known member of the Alabama Board. But even with all of his successes, he usually avoids the spotlight. He is quietly one of the most powerful people in the state. He is one of Governor Bentley’s chief supporters, and a member of a small group of informal advisers who help craft the Governor’s big picture strategy.
Dave Stewart | Senior Advisor for Government Affairs & Economic Development | Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings
Stewart’s time as Governor Bob Riley’s chief of staff gave him the opportunity to establish relationships with people in seemingly every government agency. He’s extremely effective for his clients when dealing with executive branch agencies and in influencing the budget process. Stewart maintains close ties to Republican leadership in the legislature — and their staffs — which keeps him in the mix on both the 5th and 7th floors of the State House.
The 2014 list will begin rolling out on Monday, Feb. 17, and will conclude later that week. Each morning, we will begin releasing names one at a time, approximately 10 per day until we reach the top.
But before we get there, we would like feedback from the most important group of people — our readers.
Who do you consider to be the most powerful and influential people in Alabama politics? What elected officials do you watch the closest? What opinion leaders help you shape your views on Alabama politics?
If you would like to nominate someone for this year’s list, email us through the Yellowhammer contact page. Put “Nominee” in the subject line and please include your name and town, along with a brief explanation of why you are submitting your nominee. Your quote may even show up in our final list.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims
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