While President Balaguer has not campaigned with Jacinto Peynado, he participated in a major campaign rally with Maribel Gasso last week in Bonao, following the opening of a RD$30 million housing project. The Reformistas exhibited posters and campaign materials in support of the PRSC presidential candidate, Jacinto Peynado.
The press has pointed out how Maribel seems to be in the good graces of the President. Manuel Jiménez of Hoy, in his column “En el Palacio,” points out that the PRSC vice presidential candidate has ridden with Dr Balaguer in his helicopter, saying that very few in the government have been invited to come along; and in the “Balaguer-movil,” and now in the coveted back seat of the presidential car. The political analyst comments on how Maribel, in a short time, and due to the “magic of the press” and the support of President Balaguer, is a well known figure. Manuel Jiménez also credits her for her intelligence, fluidity when speaking, and in-depth knowledge of the government program proposed by Jacinto Peynado. “Maribel seems to have been touched by holy hands,” he says. In a recent tour through Santo Domingo, an announcer stated that “The President is coming, he’s coming with Maribel Gassó.” The President also toured La Romana with Maribel in his Balaguer-movil last Thursday, 18 April. Also mentioned is the fact that the President is campaigning in Santo Domingo, the most important voting area in the country, something he did not do in the 1994 election, when he concentrated on touring the interior.