Posted by Many political insiders of all stripes and types helped the Parlor create a list of Alabama’s Most Influential Non-Elected Alabamians in the realm of state politics and policy. These are the folks you most want on your side when you want a champion for your policy idea.
The introduction is here, and Part One is here. Plus, a reminder that the list is presented in groups of ten, but unranked within those tiers except for the top ten.
On to Part Two…
#21 – #30 of the
Top 40 Most Influential Non-Elected Alabamians
(Alphabetical Order)
- Bill Blount – All hands describe the bond broker and former Democratic Party Chair the same way, “He’s [Birmingham Mayor] Larry Langford’s guy.” Langford, Langford, Langford.
- Tom Coker – One of the more powerful contract lobbyists in Montgomery.
- Peck Fox – Former Folsom Chief of Staff and current top “political guy” for Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom. Not a weak place to be.
- Jack Hawkins – Troy University Chancellor has worked hard to gain the attention and respect of many in Montgomery including Republicans and Democrats.
- Quentin Riggins – Has become very influential at the Business Council of Alabama. Worked as legislative liaison for two governors (Riley and James) and legislative analyst for House Speaker Seth Hammett.
- Dowd Ritter – The head of Regions Financial Corporation easily leads the second tier of Birmingham CEOs who are active in Alabama policy and politics.
- Dave Stewart – He runs the Office of the Governor and in this case – Policy. Makes most decisions in the Governor’s office that Riley doesn’t.
- John Teague – Ex-state senator who, like Coker, tends to get what he wants for his clients. Has a wide array of clients and associates.
- Neil Wade – Director of the Alabama Development Office while Alabama’s reputation as a desirable location for business and industry has grown by leaps and bounds.
- Jim Williams -The Executive Director of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) has become one of the most influential policy people in the state. He has the ear of many in Alabama, including the current Administration.
Part Three tomorrow.
Related Articles:
Legislative Dispatch
Purple Dot Connection
2010 Big List
2010 Senate Elections
2010 House Elections
Press Releases
It is funny, most of these people don’t seem to go together, but yet they all have their certain spheres of influence.
I would argue that Blount, being a former party chair, has far more influence than just being “Langford’s Guy.”
I bet Teage and Coker might be surprised they have as little influence as the number 2 guy at BCA, The ADO Director, or Folsom’s crony.
Dave Stewart feels his own importance a little too much. I am certain he is offended that he is not in the top ten. But his placement here is probably accurate.
I was assuming Coker would be in the next tier. Hey Al do we have an M^2 members here? Oh no I said the name, I am scared I will have black helicopters hovering outside to take me away.
So glad to see one of the good guys in Alabama – Jim Williams – on this list. He has been working tirelessly for many years to improve Alabama and is one of our state’s heroes.