Power brokers

Power brokers who will influence the 2007 legislative session that begins Tuesday include the usual suspects.

There's Gov. Bob Riley and Alabama Education Association Executive Secretary Paul Hubbert, as usual.

Then there's Senate President Pro Tem Hinton Mitchem, House Speaker Seth Hammett, the Business Council of Alabama, the Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Power Co. and trial lawyers.

And don't forget the millions of dollars in campaign contributions. Last year more than $80 million was spent on Alabama politics during the election year. And money often buys influence.

The list does not include "the people" because they rarely influence legislative sessions unless they're able to catch the House and Senate in the right mood, said a former legislator.

"The power brokers there seem to be able to establish a priority on legislation where (the people) don't have that much clout where priorities are concerned," said former state Sen. Tommy Ed Roberts, D-Hartselle.

Roberts, who previously represented part of Lawrence County, has a theory about why groups trump individuals.

"The first time I ever ran for office, I went to a high school gym to give a political speech and it was packed," Roberts said. "The last time I ran I couldn't get anybody."

He said that shows that individuals have turned their voices over to groups. He said many people now join associations, pay their dues and say "leave that all up to them."

"More and more power belongs to organized groups or to a few contract lobbyists representing major corporate interests," said Athens State University government professor Jess Brown.

Because of offsetting forces, little gets done in the Legislature at times. The oft-amended 1901 Constitution gave authority to the Legislature, which wanted low taxes, low voter participation and great legislative influence.

Although Alabama governors are weak constitutionally, Riley can wield influence because he commands center stage and has the executive branch at his disposal.

Riley cannot seek a third consecutive term in 2010, so he'll soon be seen as a lame duck who has perhaps two years to convince the Legislature to pass his programs.

Brown said Riley's ability to influence legislators may depend on his political aspirations. He's been mentioned as a vice presidential possibility although he said he isn't interested. If he is a candidate for vice president, he becomes a lame duck governor immediately and legislators could stall until a Democrat replaces him.

University of Alabama political science professor

William Stewart said Riley remains formidable even though he faces a Democratic-led Legislature.

"Since (Republicans aren't in the majority) the governor will have to be willing to compromise more," Stewart said.

But, added Stewart, "The governor has so many resources at his or her disposal that even a member of the opposing party would try not to offend too much."

In Alabama, legislators listen to the AEA's Hubbert, at least on education spending and taxes. "One seldom hears people speak of 'Gov. Hubbert' today, but it would be a mistake to underestimate his influence," Stewart said.

Hubbert is in his fifth decade building relationships with House and Senate education budget committee members. "People believe in education and that makes (my job) a lot easier," Hubbert said.

The Alabama Farmers Federation has the clout to influence land and agribusiness tax issues.

"They are in the enviable position of not needing to pass a lot of legislation," Stewart said of ALFA, as the insurance giant and farm lobby is known. "They just need to be successful at one crucial step to kill legislation, (for example) intrusive land-use regulation in rural area."

The BCA, a statewide chamber of commerce, generally opposes tax increases. "They will obviously be expected to support initiatives that enhance business interests, large and small," Stewart said.

Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr. may bear watching this session. He's a former unelected governor who does not have the authority he enjoyed as lieutenant governor from 1987-1993. Yet, he has the respect of many legislators and could be viable candidate for governor in four years.

"Some will consider his views and show deference to him because he is a strong contender to be the next governor," Brown said. "But, for that same reason, he must be careful in his actions and attempt to build support among a large coalition of interests as he prepares to be governor again."

Hammett is in a third term as speaker.

"The only reason he may not be as influential as his Senate counterparts is because the House has a tendency to send the most controversial bills to the upper house, many hoping that they will be killed there," Stewart said.

Dana Beyerle can be reached at (334) 264-6605 or dtb12345@aol.com.