Fund Raising for Galas Sparks Image Problem

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Disclosures that major corporations had been asked to contribute to an inaugural party for Commerce Secretary-designate Ronald H. Brown and that Hillary Rodham Clinton’s brothers had solicited funds for another gathering for friends and family members have created a “perception problem” for the incoming Clinton Administration, a spokesman for President-elect Bill Clinton said Friday.

George Stephanopoulos, Clinton’s communications director, said the disclosures had created an impression “that there might be some kind of untoward influence on the Administration. We want to make sure that is erased.”

Stephanopoulos was referring to reports that several major corporations had contributed $10,000 each for a party for Brown. Brown subsequently canceled the party, although aides insisted it was entirely proper because it had been organized before he was nominated as secretary of commerce. They said the party was to have recognized his work as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Stephanopoulos also was referring to news reports that a representative of two of Hillary Clinton’s brothers had asked corporations to contribute money for parties during the inaugural festivities. Aides have said that fund-raising effort has been stopped.

“The issues with Mrs. Clinton’s brothers have been cleared up and all activity has ceased. The Ron Brown party was canceled. And sometimes these things happen, but we’re getting on top of them,” Stephanopoulos said.

The spokesman also parried questions on Clinton’s commitment to his campaign promises, and the criticism that he has backed away from several of his key pledges.

Asked if the new Administration’s honeymoon were already over, Stephanopoulos insisted: “Not at all. There’s just been some bumps in the road.”

He said the complications arose in part from the way the transition had so rapidly thrust decisions on Clinton and his team.

“A transition really isn’t a transition,” he said.

But he insisted that Clinton “is going to follow through on the major commitments of his campaign.” He listed those as deficit cutting, a national service program, job creation, investment and political reform.

“Judge him by his performance. He’s not even in office yet,” the spokesman said. “Let’s get the things going and that’s what you’ll see.”