Putin Mulls Russian 2012 Presidency Bid

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin says he will think about running again in 2012.

Putin says his decision will depend on the situation in the economy.

He said Thursday he feels no rush to think about running again. He added that he now wants to focus on his job as premier and make sometimes unpopular decisions without taking electoral considerations into account.

Putin made the statement in response to a question during call-in session broadcast live on Russian state television and radio.

Putin had to shift into the premier's seat in 2008 following two consecutive terms in office, but since then the presidential term has been extended to six years and Putin is eligible to run again in 2012.