(From Gazeta.ru)

According to an opinion survey, Pres. Medvedev ‘s popularity rating is quickly approaching that of his notorious Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin.  The survey, conducted by the Levada Center from Jan. 20 – Feb. 1, has Medvedev’s popularity at 75%, compared to Putin’s 78%.  The rating of both politicians fell, though PM Putin’s fell more sharply, from 85% to 78%, whereas Medvedev fell from 78% to 75%.  Gazeta points out that the difference in the new rankings falls within the margin of error, statistically making Putin and Medvedev equally popular for the first time ever.