Ben Barnes Politician

Ben Barnes was born with business in his blood. While going to school Barnes was a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman. The skills Barnes picked up while selling vacuum cleaners would be the foundation on which he would build his political and business careers. At a still youthful twenty-two-years-old, Barnes was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. His political career took off from there and culminated with the end of his term as Lt. Governor of Texas in 1973.

With business flowing through his veins Barnes had no trouble making the transition from politician to businessman. He’s zoomed through a variety of companies over the past thirty years, playing different roles in each. Barnes founded his own company, teh Ben Barnes Group, a business consulting and lobbying firm. He made $23 million in 1997 when he sold a lobbying firm to the Texas lottery subcontractor.

Ben Barnes has used his gift for business to make a success out of his life. He’s made it a point to give back to his communities and causes as well. He’s a yearly donator to numerous charities and most recently raised over $500,000 to the John Kerry campaign.

Dan Rather interviewed Ben Barnes, Texas’ former Lieutenant Governor, September 8, 2005 on CBS news.