Ron Perelman, Vernon Jordan, And Zippergate

Ronald O. Perelman is known mainly for his wealth. He controls a corporate empire worth more than $8 billion. But on Jan. 22, the New York billionaire found himself drawn into the sex scandal swirling about President Clinton. Perelman's crown jewel, Revlon Inc., announced it had rescinded a job offer it made to ex-White House intern Monica S. Lewinsky. This was the second known time Perelman has obliged Presidential pal Vernon E. Jordan Jr. when he sought jobs for people who might be witnesses in legal actions against Clinton. Jordan got Webster Hubbell a Perelman job as well in 1994. Now, Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr wants to know: Why is Perelman doing big favors for the White House?

Certainly, the press-shy Perelman won't say. And Jordan denies he was trying to buy Lewinsky's silence. But these events have beamed a spotlight on Perelman's widespread and eclectic political dealings. A closer look at his political dance card shows that Perelman is far from a Washington neophyte. As a major campaign contributor, in the 1995-96 cycle, he was the 14th largest giver overall, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, putting him in the same league as Pepsico and Mobil Corp. in donations to the Democratic and Republican parties. He has a knack for putting politically connected people on the boards--and payrolls--of his companies. And anchored by powerful Texas law firm Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, an array of lobbyists in Washington protect the interests of his companies. "Ron is a very sophisticated political operator," says one knowledgeable source. "Ron felt people like Clinton and Dole could help him out."