Political analysts say that the candidates want to be in his good graces, as it is still believed that his health is fragile and whomever he chooses as vice president will eventually become president if he were to win the election. Franklin Almeyda was reprimanded by the PLD Central Committee for attacking government policies relating to the electricity deficit and the rise in food prices. He was recently voted as a candidate for senator for Santo Domingo for the party in the 1998 Congressional and Municipal Elections. Although a member of the PLD hierarchy himself, his attacks on his fellow party members seem to have endeared him to the political bases. Some believe this split with the hierarchy may simply be a ploy by Almeyda to gather PLD base votes, rather than have them vote for another party.
Men bet more than women.
Those in the low income range bet the most. Betting levels are higher in those over 55 years of age. This age group makes up more than a third of the total players. They combine it, however, with other bets, including cards, scratch and win games, horse races and cockfights. Beras Goico in fourth place.