Howard Barnett
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Howard Barnett is an American businessperson, lawyer, and politician from the U.S. State of Oklahoma. Barnett was the Republican candidate for State Treasurer of Oklahoma in 2006.
[edit] Biography
Barnett received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tulsa and Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University. Upon completing his education, Barnett began his private practice in Tulsa, where is specialized in securities and corporate law.
In 1985, Barnett joined Tribune/Swab-Fox Companies, Inc. By 1993, he had become that company’s Chief Executive Officer. He continued in this role until the company was sold in 1997. Barnett then served a year as the Director of Business Development for New York-based The Official Information Company.
[edit] Political career
In 1998, after being elected to a second term, Governor of Oklahoma Frank Keating appointed Barnett to the Oklahoma State Cabinet as the Secretary of Commerce and Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. As the Commerce Department’s Director, Barnett administered a plan to increase the Department’s efficiency and reorganization.
After a year as Commerce Secretary, Governor Keating appointed Barnett to serve as his Chief of Staff, making him Governor Keating’s primary advisor. Barnett not only managed the Governor’s executive staff but supervised the creation and implementation of the Governor’s policies and agendas. He also served as Keating’s official representative, serving as his proxy between the Governor’s office and other state agencies, Indian Tribes, and other parties.
Since Governor Keating’s term ended in January of 2003, Barnett has served as Managing Director of TSF Capital, LLC.
[edit] Campaign for State Treasurer
In 2006, Barnett sought the Republican nomination for State Treasurer of Oklahoma. Barnett faced Dan Keating, Governor Keating's brother [1] in the July 25 primary elections. After the primaries, Barnett received that nomination; receiving 107,015 votes and 60.06% as opposed to Keating’s 71,170 votes and 39.94%. Barnett was defeated by Democratic incumbent Scott Meacham in the November general election.
