[1] Before seeking elective office, he served in the United States Navy, was a longtime real estate agent and Republican activist.

[2] 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 D. Smith announced her retirement.

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.

[3][4] This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress