Barry Reutzel

Barry Reutzel (born March 2, 1951) is a Democratic politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 15th district from 1977 to 1981.

Early life Reutzel was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1951. He attended Midland College, and graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with his bachelor's degree in political science.

Nebraska Legislature In 1976, Reutzel announced that he would run for the legislature in the 15th district. In the nonpartisan primary, Reutzel faced Rupert Dunklau, a bank executive, and Rodney Koyen, a farmer and businessman. Dunklau narrowly placed first in the primary, winning 39 percent of the vote to Reutzel's 36 percent and Koyen's 24 percent. They advanced to the general election, where Reutzel narrowly defeated Dunklau, winning 51–49 percent.

Reutzel ran for re-election in 1980, and was challenged by Lowell Johnson, a businessman and former field representative for Congressman Charles Thone. In the primary election, Reutzel won 55 percent of the vote to Johnson's 45 percent, and they advanced to the general election. Reutzel, a Democrat, was targeted by the Nebraska Republican Party for defeat, and ended up losing to Johnson by a wide margin, receiving just 43 percent of the vote to Johnson's 57 percent.

Johnson declined to seek re-election to the legislature in 1992, and Reutzel ran to succeed him.

In 2010, former State Senator John DeCamp started a radio station to appeal to senior citizens, and Reutzel was hired as the communications director.