Mironov expects tandem to decide on presidential candidate in autumn

ST. PETERSBURGb(Itar-Tass) - Chairman of the Just Russia
Party Sergei Mironov said on Thursday it will be clear in autumn whether
Dmitry Medvedev would run for the second term of office or cede the post
to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at the 2012 presidential election.
Mironov, who is also the speaker of the Federation Council upper house
of parliament, but claims his party is an opposition force, also told a
press conference the Just Russia will not support the candidate nominated
by the ruling United Russia Party. Putin is the leader of the ruling party.
Mironov expressed hope Medvedev and Putin will agree between
themselves who will run for president in 2012.
"Actually everything will be clear in autumn and we shall make a
corresponding decision (who to support)," Mironov said. Earlier the
speaker did not exclude he might run himself.
Mironov also called on members of small political parties to join his
force at the election to St. Petersburg legislature which is to be held in
2012 but may be moved to December 2011 when the State Duma is elected.
He made the offer to the liberal Yabloko party and said its members
have either to suspend membership or quit the party altogether.
"We shall make similar proposals to members of other parties," he said.
The ruling United Russia immediately responded saying voters would
hardly back the Just Russia after such calls.
"Will people vote for a party represented by those who are ready to
exchange their convictions for a place on the party ticket? There is a big
doubt about it," said United Russia senior official Sergei Neverov adding
the Just Russia was in crisis.