Despite Reports, Baker Makes Clear He’s Still Treasury Boss

Treasury Secretary James A. Baker III made it clear Sunday that despite suggestions that he was just about ready to resign his post to work on Vice President George Bush’s presidential campaign, the title of the job he now holds remains right on the money.

Baker flew home to Washington aboard Air Force One with President Reagan, who had completed a weeklong California vacation. Baker had been in the state to attend a fund-raising event for Republican Sen. Pete Wilson.

Chatted Briefly

White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater said Baker and Reagan chatted briefly aboard the airplane. Fitzwater reported: “He’s still Treasury secretary.”

Underscoring this point, Baker sent back to a reporter aboard the aircraft a personally autographed dollar bill, with this note attached: “Pls note the title under the signature. JABIII.”

Later, when asked upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington whether he had discussed his job with Reagan, the Treasury secretary said he had not.

Asked whether he would share the news with reporters, he replied: “There’s no news to share.”

Baker is a close friend of Bush, and is said to be planning to resign as Treasury secretary at some point in coming weeks to take over the vice president’s campaign.