First We'Ll Open an Embassy At the Copa

By Janice Castro

Hear the one about the movie star who runs for President? No, not that one. Think salsa. Besides his string of hit albums (In Search of America, Nothing but the Truth), RUBEN BLADES has appeared in The Milagro Beanfield War and Mo' Better Blues. Now he may run for President of his native Panama. A committee called In Search of Panama has lined up 500 supporters so far. They say Blades has the ability, integrity and international prestige that isn't found in many homegrown politicians. What's more, he's great at a party.

With reporting by Sidney Urquhart