Roberto Salcedo, candidate for mayor for the Partido de la Liberación Dominicana, the government party, pointed out to Hoy newspaper that the selection of showbusiness figures as political candidates is proof that the political parties are in a crisis and that "voters want cleaner candidates." In addition to Salcedo, Fernando Villalona, the nation’s most popular singer of all times according to a Gallup poll, has been chosen by the PRSC to run for senator for Dajabón. Furthermore, Dr. José Francisco Peña Gómez, candidate for mayor of Santo Domingo for the PRD, chose merengue legend, Johnny Ventura, as his candidate for vice-mayor for the municipality of Santo Domingo. Salcedo said that with each passing day Dominicans are believing less in politicians. He said that a showbusiness personality running for office is nothing new, pointing to Ronald Reagan, the actor, who became President of the United States. He explained that if he is elected mayor he would not abandon his television work. He said that family members would carry on.Salcedo said that if he is elected, he would divide the city’s administration into four areas. Salcedo is not a member of the PLD, but he says he shares the party’s philosophy of order and discipline.
