NPR News

Political Networks Of Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac

By Will Evans

Published July 13, 2008 at 11:01 PM CDT

James A. Johnson speaks in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 18, 1990. The former Fannie Mae CEO was vetting potential vice presidential picks for Sen. Barack Obama until he was forced to step down after news reports suggested he got favorable treatment from a mortgage lending company.

Then-FBI Director Louis J. Freeh (left) and former President George H.W. Bush take part in a 1998 ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Harold Ickes, a former adviser to President Clinton, speaks at a news conference at the Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws Committee hearing in May in Washington, D.C.

In this 1992 photo, then-Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton speaks with Rahm Emanuel (right), a Democratic Party official, upon arriving at a hotel in Washington, D.C.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have both had strong ties to the Washington, D.C., political community. The housing finance giants have counted government power brokers as board members and executive staff. Here, a look at key players, past and present.

Fannie Mae

James A. Johnson, former chairman and CEO: Aide to Vice President Walter Mondale; recently led Sen. Barack Obama's vice-presidential search team

Jamie Gorelick, former vice chairwoman: Deputy attorney general under President Bill Clinton; former Defense Department general counsel; member of 9/11 Commission

Franklin D. Raines, former chairman and CEO: Budget director under Clinton

Thomas E. Donilon, former executive vice president: Former assistant secretary of state under Clinton; senior adviser to Michael Dukakis' presidential campaign; national campaign coordinator for Walter Mondale's presidential campaign; congressional liaison for President Jimmy Carter.

Robert B. Zoellick, former executive vice president: Former deputy secretary of state and U.S. Trade Representative under President George W. Bush; currently president of the World Bank

Louis J. Freeh, board member: Director of the FBI under Clinton; federal judge

Stephen Friedman, former board member: Assistant to Bush for economic policy

Michele Davis, former senior vice president: Deputy assistant to Bush; currently assistant secretary of the Treasury.

Wayne Berman, outside lobbyist: Assistant Secretary of Commerce under President George H.W. Bush; senior adviser in Bush-Cheney presidential transition; currently a fundraiser for Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign.

Steve Ricchetti, outside lobbyist: Deputy chief-of-staff to Clinton

Kirsten Chadwick, outside lobbyist: Special assistant to President George W. Bush for legislative affairs; currently a fundraiser for McCain's campaign.

Freddie Mac

Richard F. Syron, chairman and CEO: Deputy assistant secretary of the Treasury

Ralph F. Boyd Jr., executive vice president: Assistant attorney general for civil rights

Dennis DeConcini, former board member: U.S. senator from Arizona

Robert R. Glauber, board member: Undersecretary of the Treasury under President George H.W. Bush

David J. Gribbin III, former board member: Aide to Vice President Dick Cheney; assistant secretary of defense under President George H.W. Bush

Harold Ickes, former board member: Adviser to President Clinton and Sen. Hillary Clinton; member of the Democratic National Committee.

Rep. Rahm Emanuel, former board member: Senior adviser to President Clinton; former chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.

Susan Hirschmann, outside lobbyist: Chief-of-staff to former House Majority Whip Tom DeLay of Texas

Michael J. Bates, outside lobbyist: Campaign official for President Reagan, presidential candidate Bob Dole, President Bush.

Martin Paone, outside lobbyist: Secretary of the Senate

J. Patrick Cave, outside lobbyist: Acting Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury

Susan Molinari, outside lobbyist: U.S. Congresswoman from New York

Will Evans is with the Center for Investigative Reporting.