Career
He served as a deputy representative to the Norwegian Parliament from Nord-Trøndelag during the terms 1965–1969, 1969–1973 and 1973–1977. On the local level Benum was involved in local politics in Verdal municipality from 1959 to 1979. Other than that he worked as a farmer.
He chaired the county chapter of the Liberal Party from 1972 to 1973.
