Political icons lost during 2017

At the close of each year, my tradition is to acknowledge the passing away of significant political leaders from the political stage in our beloved state.

We lost some icons this year. As I sit in my office writing this yearend column, pictures of two of my favorite friends and legends adorn my walls. The photos of Governor Albert Brewer and Congressman Jim Martin look down at me. Both were Christian gentlemen.

Governor Brewer passed away last January in Birmingham. He was 88. We had visited over lunch only a few months earlier.

Brewer grew up in Decatur, went to public schools and grad...