Political commentator Ram?n Colombo speculated that nonagenarian several-time President of the Republic, Joaqu?n Balaguer, leader of the Partido Reformista Social Cristiano (PRSC) could be endorsing Jos? Francisco Pe?a G?mez, leader of the Partido Revolucionario Dominicano (PRD) in his aspirations to become the next mayor of Santo Domingo in the 16 May 1998 election. Pe?a met at Balaguer’s home on occasion of the visit of important members of the International Socialist party that included several former presidents of Latin America. Balaguer told Pe?a: "I am proud of you, my friend Pe?a G?mez, because you are an example to the world. I do not know of any other man with your high moral standards, of your fighting spirit, and your integrity, and the fortitude you have shown in these difficult years. May God protect you. You are a symbol for the Dominican nationality." Pe?a replied: "The feelings are reciprocal, President." Pe?a suffers from cancer of the pancreas. Balaguer’s comments are more interesting because the PRSC based much of its presidential campaign in 1996, when it backed Leonel Fern?ndez of the Partido de la Liberaci?n Dominicana, on the fear of Dominicans that Pe?a G?mez would foster an increase in Haitian migration, given his Haitian roots.
