The Company He Keeps

Accused of corruption by a spurned Vietnamese businessman, Commerce Secretary Ron Brown discovers that a friend in need is not always a friend indeed

The world of the Washington lobbyist operates below radar most of the time, in purring black limos, private jets and expense-account restaurants with tables set far apart. Ron Brown was one of the most successful inhabitants of that world until last December when, after serving as chairman of the Democratic Party for four years, he was nominated to be Secretary of Commerce.

With that post, Brown crossed over from the shadowy world of the Washington dealmaker to the well-lighted one of public official, where every move is subject to review, there are no secrets, and past acquaintances can rise up to...

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