Power & Influence: Names 21-30

The Yellowhammer Power & Influence 40 is a list of the 40 most powerful and influential players in Alabama politics. For a more in-depth explanation of the list and how it was compiled, click HERE. To see last year’s list click HERE.

Here’s the schedule of when the names will be released:

Monday, Feb. 18: Names 31-40 (View HERE)
Tuesday, Feb. 19: Names 21-30
Wednesday, Feb. 20: “Who’s Next?” a preview of the next generation of power players
Thursday, Feb. 21: Names 11-20
Friday, Feb. 22: Names 6-10
Monday, Feb. 25: Names 1-5

Steve Windom | Contract Lobbyist | Steve Windom, LLC

The former Lt. Governor and State Senator turned contract lobbyist and political fundraiser has an unrivaled rolodex (do those still exist?) within state government. “He knows where the bodies are buried,” one insider said of Windom. He manufactured on behalf of the Nursing Homes Association the budget impasse that led to Amendment 1 on September 18 last year, and he continues to stalk the halls of the 7th floor wheeling and dealing like few others can. He gets the job done whatever it takes.

Kay Ivey | Lt. Governor

Ivey has taken an increased role in Party politics ahead of the 2014 Republican primaries. She ran and won Chair of the Alabama delegation to the Republican National Committee, and remains popular on the GOP statewide speaking circuit. There are no rumblings as of now of a GOP primary challenger in 2014. She presides over the Senate and determines which committee each bill is assigned to, but in reality her role in the Senate is minimal. Still, she’s first in the line of succession, making her one breath away from the Governor’s office.

Garry Neal Drummond | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | Drummond Company, Inc.

In 2011, a 20% stake in Drummond International’s Colombian coal mining operation was sold for $1.52 BILLION. Needless to say, Drummond’s playing at a different level, a fact that became very obvious when he pumped 7-figures into Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign last year. In spite of his deep pockets and huge political clout, he often flies under the radar. He’s one of the few people who can go on and off this list at will. He could lay low one year, then flex his muscle the next year and totally change the state’s entire political landscape.

Bill O’Connor | President | Results, LLC

O’Connor is a longtime political operative who has successfully steered the ship for prominent Democrats and Republicans alike. He was once House Speaker Seth Hammett’s right hand man, and he’s now one of Governor Bentley’s top advisers, providing strategic guidance on a broad range of issues. He still maintains the business community relationships he built while he was President of the Business Council of Alabama, and he’s well connected to the UA Board.

Mac McCutcheon | State Representative, House Rules Chairman

When House Rules Committee Chairman Blaine Galliher left the House for a cabinet post in the Bentley administration, House Speaker Mike Hubbard appointed McCutcheon to take his place. The Rules Chairman has fairly significant discretion over what bills actually make it the the House floor for debate. McCutcheon received praise for how he ran the Transportation Committee in years past. He has a reputation for being fair and even handed, qualities that are needed to be a successful Rules Chairman dealing with members from both sides of the aisle. He’s still somewhat unproven in his new role, but he’s positioned himself well to move up in future versions of the Power & Influence 40.

Quentin Riggins | Vice President of Governmental Relations | Alabama Power

Riggins is Alabama Power’s eyes and ears at the state house. He coordinates their staff lobbying efforts and develops their strategies. It’s a daunting task to oversee Alabama Power’s legislative operation. So many issues that come before state government affect APCo’s business, even in ways that aren’t obvious, but Riggins has been up to the challenge. His background working for Republicans including Fob James and Bob Riley, as well as Democrats like Seth Hammett, has allowed him to develop and maintain excellent relationships with legislators across the political spectrum.

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.

Steve Clouse | State Representative, House Ways and Means General Fund Chairman

Clouse and Jim Barton are currently co-chairmen of the House General Fund budget committee. With Barton tied up in a special election for State Senate, Clouse will likely be taking the lead role in crafting this year’s budgets. Budget chairmen wield significant power because of their discretion over what the budgets ultimately look like. Crunching the numbers isn’t easy considering we’re trying to budget in the midst of the Obama economy, and it says a lot about Clouse that Speake. Clouse has been in the House since the mid-90s and knows his way around the budgets. He’s well suited for the job.

David Azbell | Partner | Swatek, Azbell, Howe & Ross

Azbell’s political roots extend all the way back to George Wallace. He was Wallace’s personal aide for years. He went on to be Gov. Fob James’s press secretary, deputy secretary of state under Jim Bennett, and Gov. Bob Riley’s communications director. He’s worked his way up the ladder to the point that he is now the state’s preeminent communications consultant. Most recently he played a significant role in crafting the 2013 House legislative agenda. He also helped write House Speaker Mike Hubbard’s book, “Storming the State House,” and continues to be one of the Speaker’s closest advisers. If you’ve read a press release or seen a news conference by a major GOP elected official in Alabama over the last decade, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with Azbell’s work.

David Bronner | CEO | Retirement Systems of Alabama

Bronner may be in the twilight of his career, but he will continue to be powerful as long as he’s overseeing the RSA’s giant investment portfolio. He has taken fire from both sides recently, with Republican lawmakers bemoaning recent RSA rates of return, and AEA leadership undermining him any way they can. He repelled the most recent attempt by teachers union boss Henry Mabry to take over the Teachers Retirement System board, demonstrating that he still has some juice. Some type of reform is likely in the Retirement System’s future, but for now Bronner’s still well positioned to exit RSA on his timeline.