Fixing Congress- Who are the Coauthors?

Mike Johnson and Jerry Climer

Michael S. Johnson

Mike spent forty-seven years serving in the White House, Congress, private sector media relations and advocacy, as well as a number of nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the work of the Legislative and Executive branches. Before that, he spent seven years in print journalism. Mike co-authored a book, Surviving Inside Congress, published by the Congressional Institute, now in its fifth edition. Mike has also written occasional columns for the website NewGOPForum.com, written articles for many publications, and appeared on news shows and on podcasts for numerous organizations.

Mike and his wife, Thalia Assuras, a former broadcast journalist, live in Alexandria, VA, and enjoy golf, gardening, and art. They have five children and four grandchildren.

Jerome F. Climer

Jerry graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in public administration. He interrupted his master’s degree work to join the staff of a freshman Arkansas congressman for what he intended to be a two-year experience. Forty years later, he left Capitol Hill, having served other Members of Congress, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, five years on the House Minority Leadership staff, and twenty as founding President of the Congressional Institute. This experience enabled him to master the intricacies of the House and Senate and develop a perspective about the historic intent of the institution against present-day realities. He co-authored Surviving Inside Congress, which has five published editions. The book has been distributed to all interested congressional staff, and several academic institutions utilize it for college-level study.

Jerry and his wife, Mary Ann, live in historic Edenton, NC. They volunteer with several community organizations, enjoy the bridge games, and stay up to date with their son in VA, their daughter, and their college-aged granddaughters in WA.