Campaign finance records reviewed by the New York Times show that Lauder, who is 82, has not made a single political donation to Republicans in New York this year. Asked whether another donor could fill Lauder’s role in New York politics, Kassar was unequivocal: “The simple answer is no.” The scale of what Lauder has contributed to Republican causes over the years makes that assessment credible. The political withdrawal is not the only significant shift in Lauder’s affairs. It is not known whether Lauder’s withdrawal from political life is permanent or temporary.