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Polls opened in Moscow early Sunday morning for parliamentary elections that are being touted as a popularity test for Vladimir Putin and his United Russia party.
The former Russian president, who held office from 2000-2008 is expected to run, and win, in the 2012 presidential elections this coming March.
Although wildly popular last decade, the United Russia party has come under criticism for corruption and many voters say they're tired of Putin's 'tough man' image.
Still others say they'll support the former KGB spy who they credit with saving Russia from post-Soviet era chaos.
Current President Dimitri Medvedev, who cast his ballot in Moscow, has been leading the country since Putin left office.
Julie Noce, Reuters
