Alternatives to Putin a mixed bag as Russian election looms
Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin  hasn't said if  he  is running for a fourth term. But none of the potential candidates hoping to unseat  him  appear in a position to do so.
The most visible and adept foe of the  Putin  regime  Alexei Navalny  wants to enter the race but is legally barred. TV host Ksenia Sobchak has tossed her hat in the ring  but no one knows if she can meet the registration requirements or if she's effectively a red herring.
 Putin  is expected to wait until December to state  his  intentions. The election is scheduled for March.
 His  approval ratings consistently register 80 percent or higher.
[TGT]hasn't said if  [TGT]  is running for a fourth term. But none of the potential candidates hoping to unseat  [TGT]  appear in a position to do so.
The most visible and adept foe of the  [TGT]regime  Alexei Navalny  wants to enter the race but is legally barred. TV host Ksenia Sobchak has tossed her hat in the ring  but no one knows if she can meet the registration requirements or if she's effectively a red herring.
 [TGT]is expected to wait until December to state  [TGT]  intentions. The election is scheduled for March.
 [TGT]  approval ratings consistently register 80 percent or higher.