Hein was born in Seneca, Kansas, and was active in student government and politics during his childhood.
He ran for the Kansas House in 1974, while also studying for the bar exam, and won a seven-way primary with 35% of the vote.
In 1976, he successfully challenged fellow Republican Bob Storey in the primary for the 20th district in the Kansas Senate.
He served two terms there, and declined to run for re-election due to a desire for higher salary.
[3] Hein was succeeded in the state senate by fellow Republican Alicia Salisbury.