Jim Johnson

Former Fannie Mae chairman and prominent figure in the Democratic Party Jim Johnson led the search for potential vice presidents during the campaigns of Senator John Kerry and Walter Mondale. Johnson serves as a vice chairman in the Barack Obama Campaign.

Johnson is the lead adviser in Obama's search for a running mate.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: James A. Johnson
2. Led vice presidential search for John Kerry in 2004
3. Same for Walter Mondale in 1984
4. 1998 named "Washingtonian of the Year" by Washingtonian Magazine
5. 1994 named "CEO Of The Year" by George Washington University School of Business

Controversy

Controversy erupted in June of 2008 when it was revealed that Johnson had taken specialty loans from troubled mortgage company Countrywide Financial. The loans amounted to $7 million, which received special rates as well as approval from the CEO, Angelo Mozilo.

In light of this, critics of the Obama campaign argue that utilizing Johnson to head up the search for a VP goes directly against the touted theme of "change".¹

Jim Johnson Career

Johnson joined Fannie Mae in 1990. He served as Vice Chairman in 1990, and as Chairman and CEO between 1991 and 1998.

Since 2001, he has held the position of vice chairman for Perseus LLC, a private banking firm.

He is a board member of several companies including Goldman Sachs, Target and UnitedHealth Group.

Jim Johnson Education

1. B.A. in political science from University of Minnesota
2. Masters Degree in public affairs from Princeton
3. 1997 Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Colby College
4. 1999: Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree Howard University
5. 2002 Doctor of Laws Degree from Skidmore College

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