Barnett gained headlines on 10/21/2008 for his efforts to unseat a Snohomish County Councilman, Dave Somers, a fish biologist, who opposed his plans to build 6,000 houses on 3,000 acres west of Lake Roesiger. Barnett indicated his willingness to spend $2.5 million in his efforts to defeat Somers. Barnett, a powerful member of Cowlitz Native American Tribe, has been active in local politics, heavily funding candidates who support his real estate interests.