Cabinet Official Denies Influence-Peddling

Labor Secretary Alexis Herman denied allegations Thursday that she had sold her influence in the White House and said she “will not be distracted” by a Justice Department inquiry.

President Clinton, too, defended Herman when asked about the accusation shortly before the two were to appear in New York. “I don’t believe that for a minute,” he said.

“I want you to know that these allegations aren’t true,” Herman told reporters earlier during a brief appearance on the Labor Department steps. “My attorney … has contacted the Justice Department and has told them that I will cooperate fully.”