LINDA STOUFFER, CNN ANCHOR: Just hours ago the results became clear in Russia's presidential election: It's a win for Vladimir Putin, with no need for a second run-off election. CNN's Steve Harrigan joins us with the very latest from Moscow this morning. Good morning, Steve.</s>STEVE HARRIGAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Linda. Well, there's really a sense of relief here in Moscow, relief that this election is over. Most people expected Vladimir Putin to win, and they're glad that it went just one round instead of going to two rounds. Mr. Putin achieved victory in one round by getting more than 50 percent of the vote -- he got 52.5 percent of the vote. His nearest challenger was the communist Gennady Zyuganov, far behind with 29 percent of the vote. Now, the first thing on Mr. Putin's agenda is going to be to put together a government, to put together a new Cabinet. Now he says he's looking for practical men, not ideology. Here's Mr. Putin.</s>VLADIMIR PUTIN, RUSSIAN PRESIDENT-ELECT (through translator): If they're ready to work with us, they will find a place in our government. But if the only thing they now how to do is to make political speeches, there's no place for such people for practical work.</s>HARRIGAN: The question is whether that Cabinet will include members of the Communist Party, particularly after their strong showing in the elections. It should be in place by May. That's when the new president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, will be inaugurated. I'm Steve Harrigan, CNN, reporting live from Moscow.</s>STOUFFER: Steve, thank you very much. Search CNN.com CNNSI.com CNNmoney.com The Web
Putin Scores First-Round Victory in Russian Election