LATEST POLL: ZYUGANOV MAINTAIN LEAD, ZHIRINOVSKY LOSES GROUND.

The latest opinion poll by the respected VTsIOM polling organization finds Zyuganov easily maintaining his lead with 25 percent of the popular vote, with Boris Yeltsin trailing in second place with 15 percent. The poll is nonetheless "sensational," NTV commented, since its shows Vladimir Zhirinovsky slipping from third position and being overtaken by Grigory Yavlinsky. Zhirinovsky how has nine percent, while Yavlinsky has 11 percent. Moreover, Yeltsin’s support is said to be growing, whereas Zyuganov’s is more or less static. While Zyuganov is still tipped to beat any other single candidate, it is too early to write off Yeltsin’s chances, the pollsters conclude. (NTV, March 16)

California, Here They Come.