When the Texas political scene was rattled with the election of young Ben Barnes as Representative in 1960, plans to build him up for higher political office were inevitable.
Ambitious, driven and passionate toward public service, Ben Barnes had the makings of a United States president, according to then U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson. At 26 years old, and under the political tutelage of Johnson himself, Barnes would become the youngest Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives in 1965, and in 1969, go up the political food chain to become Texas Lt. Gov. at 30 years old.
In his tell-all memoir “Barn Burning, Barn Building,” Ben Barnes would narrate vital political lessons and reminiscences he has of the late President Johnson. As Johnson’s protégé, Ben Barnes believes his mentor exemplified true bipartisanship and understood the legislative process better than anyone else.
Ben Barnes said Johnson taught him that politics was a contact sport that entailed commitment and devotion, and no amount of cajoling or persuasion exceeded the effectiveness of personal contact.
Since 1960, Ben Barnes the politician has been active in public service. He served the American public for 13 years until his exit in 1973. Until now, he remains a steadfast advocate of bipartisanship and ideals of the Democratic party, of which he contributes his money and time as a fundraiser and campaigner.
