Cuomo Foe’s Claim of Nixon Ties Questioned

A Republican challenging Gov. Mario M. Cuomo’s reelection bid may have exaggerated some claims about his political and education experience, it was reported today.

Some former Nixon Administration officials disputed Pierre A. Rinfret’s suggestion that he was a major adviser to the President, the New York Times said.

The newspaper also said Rinfret never earned a doctorate but has used the title “Dr. Rinfret” on resumes, on legal documents and in his political biography.

The state GOP nominated Rinfret, 66, last month. The millionaire economist, a political unknown, was chosen after the party made a months-long effort to persuade better-known Republicans to run against the popular two-term Democrat.

In his acceptance speech at the State Republican convention, Rinfret said he was “offered the equivalent of three Cabinet posts” by former President Richard M. Nixon.

In an interview, he told the newspaper that Nixon personally offered to make him a member of his Council of Economic Advisers in 1968 and secretary of commerce in 1972. Rinfret also said two Nixon aides asked him if he would be interested in becoming secretary of the Treasury in 1971.

Calls to Rinfret at his home and office this morning were not immediately returned. But his son and adviser, Peter Rinfret, promised to release an information packet “with primary sources” that would provide much detail, including his father’s World War II heroics.

“I’m not going to respond to that,” said Peter Rinfret when asked if his father might have exaggerated his credentials.

Nixon did not respond to several telephone messages. But top aides in his Administration, including chief domestic policy adviser John D. Erlichman, Treasury Secretary John B. Connally and two chairmen of the Council of Economic Advisers, Paul McCracken and Herbert Stein, said they did not know that Rinfret had been considered seriously for any of the posts.