He spent half a century working in and around Alabama's government, and now Jim Bennett has retired.
Bennett has been a political reporter, legislator, secretary of state and cabinet member for two governors. The 72-year old retired Thursday as Labor Commissioner in Governor Robert Bentley's cabinet.
Bennett says he is an example of the change in state government. He started his career as a Democrat and ended as a Republican.
Bennett plans to open a historical consulting business after years of being active in the development of Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park.