Luzhkov`s deputy predicts his boss will take over from Yeltsin in next Russian leadership contest
Moscow mayor eyes presidential role
"If, for some reason, there is no longer Yeltsin, and if there are normal, fair elections, then I think that Yuri Mikhailovich [Luzhkov] will be elected, and that will be a blessing for the people," said Valery Shantsev, deputy mayor and Mr Luzhkov`s running mate in last year`s mayoral ballot.