Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday he might run in the 2012 presidential elections in Russia, if he manages to implement his projects and secure population support. "If by that time my plans start implementing, if I have the support of our people... if I have the desire to continue, then I do not rule this out," he said at a meeting with representatives of business, scientific and public circles in the Stanford University. He added that being the head of state was a challenging task for any politician.
Medvedev, Putin's close ally, succeeded him as president in 2008. The two men then formed a "tandem," with Putin becoming prime minister. Putin, who along with Medvedev is among Russia's most popular politicians, has neither ruled out running in the next presidential election. A recent survey by an independent pollster said Russians think Medvedev and Putin have almost equal chances of becoming the next Kremlin chief after the 2012 presidential election.
