PlusObama VP Vetter Resigns Over Loan CriticismObama VP Vetter Resigns Over Loan CriticismThe Associated PressJim Johnson, a manager of Democrat Barack Obama's vice presidential search team, is resigning amid criticism over his personal loan deals. Obama's campaign declined to say if Johnson would be replaced. (June 11)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] [Notes:johnson photos]A leader of Barack Obama's vice presidential research team is resigning amid criticism of his personal loan deals. Obama says Jim Johnson is stepping down to avoid being a distraction.Johnson is a former C-E-O of Fannie Mae.He received loans from Countrywide Financial, which is part of a federal investigation into the subprime mortgage crisis.Johnson served on the vetting team along with former deputy attorney general Eric Holder and former first daughter Caroline Kennedy.SOTRon Fournier/The Associated Press His job was equivalent to somebody who owns a small business who has somebody on their staff who goes through all the resumes and picks out three that look the bestJohnson and Holder created a stir when they showed up on Capitol Hill this week to consult with Democratic party leaders. Obama's campaign is keeping mum about who they're considering for the number two spot, but sources say they have a list of about 20 people, including some retired military generals. SOTRon Fournier/The Associated Press "Of course he's looking at military generals. He's also looking at women, men, governors, we'll see these floated for different reasons. This one is because is shows he's taking this seriously, he knows he's weak on foreign policy and he's looking at a general"Republican John McCain has a headstart in the "veepstakes".His informal team of vetters has also come under criticism for lobbyist connections.McCain spent Memorial Day weekend with four potential running mates - Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (JIN'-dul), former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Kansas Senator Sam Brownback. While both camps are weighing their options, it's unlikely that their decisions are imminent. SOTRon Fournier/The Associated Press "I think we all need to take a deep breath here. McCain's only been looking for a few weeks, and Obama's only been looking for a few days and this is a really methodical process to go through"Fournier says it's possible the candidates will wait until closer to the party conventions to announce their running mates. ___ ___, The Associated Press.
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