Background
Barrett was born in Lexington, Nebraska.
United States representative politician
Barrett was born in Lexington, Nebraska.
He attended Hastings College and then earned his license to become a real estate broker.
Before seeking elective office, he served in the United States Navy, was a longtime real estate agent and Republican activist. He had also previously served as an administrator at his college alma mater. In 1978, Barrett was elected to the unicameral Nebraska Legislature, where he served until his election to Congress.
He was speaker of the legislature from 1987 to 1991 and generated some controversy in that position after heated state budget negotiations.
In 1990, Barrett entered the Republican primary for the 3rd District after eight-term incumbent Virginia Smith announced her retirement. He then faced fellow state senator Sandra Scofield in the general election.
Although Barrett was initially thought to be a prohibitive favorite in this heavily Republican district, the race was extremely close, with Barrett only prevailing by 4,400 votes. Barrett never faced another contest nearly that close, and was reelected four more times by well over 70 percent of the vote.
The Democrats did not field a challenger in 1998.
In Congress, Barrett was a low-key member who generally supported the priorities of Republican leaders. He served on the House Agriculture Committee, eventually rising to become vice chairman, and on the Education/Workforce Committee. Barrett retired from Congress in 2000 and currently resides in Lexington.
Barrett served as a member of the Nebraska Republican State Executive Committee in the 1960s and chaired the Nebraska arm of President Gerald Ford"s campaign in 1976.