Jones holds up $1 million check from Hirschfeld

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A smiling Paula Jones accepted a $1 million check from New York real estate tycoon Abe Hirschfeld Saturday, as a step toward settlement of her sexual harassment suit against President Clinton.

An attorney for Jones said her lawyers would make a new overture to Clinton on Monday in the case.

In this story:

• No deal has been reached
• A precursor to negotiations'

Hirschfeld made the offer as an incentive for Jones to settle her case out of court, and the check will be kept in an escrow account until Jones and the president come to an agreement, said Hirschfeld's attorney, Harvard Hollemburg.

No deal has been reached

Susan Carpenter MacMillan, a spokeswoman for Jones, said a deal had not yet been reached with the president. But she added that the Hirschfeld move should prompt Clinton to "negotiate in good faith."

Hirschfeld led Jones by the arm into a news conference in Washington and kissed her cheek before handing her the check.

He said he gave her the money so Clinton could "have a clear head" in dealing with the nation's problems. He declined to say whether the timing of the check presentation had anything to do with Tuesday's mid-term elections.

As she received the check, Jones said, "Thank you very much," and declined further comment.

The check was made out to Jones, the law firm of Radar, Campbell, Fisher, and Pyke, and other parties, including John Whitehead of the Rutherford Institute, which has helped finance her lawsuit.

Hirschfeld says he wants to end Jones' suit so the president can return to nation's business

'A precursor to negotiations'

An attorney in the Jones camp, speaking on condition of anonymity, had said Friday the arrangement with Hirschfeld was "a precursor to negotiations" with Clinton's lawyers.

"And then negotiations will begin with (Clinton attorney Robert Bennett), and I don't think it will take very long," said the lawyer, suggesting "some (financial) common meeting ground" could be reached.

The president's lawyers offered no comment Saturday.

The lawsuit brought by Jones, a former Arkansas state worker, was dismissed by a judge last April, but Jones appealed and is waiting for a ruling from the appeals court.

Previous attempts to reach a financial settlement stalled after Jones rejected an offer of $700,000 from Bennett, insisting she wanted $1 million.

Then Hirschfeld stepped into the picture, offering $1 million as part of a settlement involving all parties.

Last week, Bennett said he would only consider a settlement if it did not include "strings attached" -- referring to Hirschfeld's offer. Hirschfeld then said he was withdrawing his offer. It was then reinstated.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Saturday, October 31, 1998

• Lobbyist says he was pressured to testify against Espy
• Tycoon gives Jones $1 million check with strings attached
• Clinton talks education ahead of Tuesday vote

Election '98
• Pocketbook outweighs impeachment in U.S. elections

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