Putin’s nominee for PM meets lawmakers
President Vladimir Putin’s choice for prime minister said Thursday that he would not rule out a run for the presidency, adding to the intrigue following his surprise nomination just months before elections. Putin nominated Viktor Zubkov on Wednesday after dismissing Mikhail Fradkov, who had headed the Cabinet since 2004. The State Duma, the loyal lower parliament house that often acts as a rubber stamp for Kremlin policies, is expected to approve the choice Friday. Full Story