The “locomotive” tactic is United Russia’s favorite way to attract votes. They put on the list a well-known, popular person who enjoys the authority of citizens, but obviously does not want to become a deputy. Voters vote thinking they support that person. But in reality, completely different, sometimes unknown people, become deputies.
But it seems that in these elections the love for “steam locomotives” can play a cruel joke on United Russia. Especially in those places where governors act as “locomotives”. There are quite worthy people among them, but they, naturally, will not go to the Duma. But there are also those who could not earn the trust and respect of citizens. They have only one hope - the notorious administrative resource.
But this resource has one feature. It is weaker than a civilian resource. The more voters come to the polls, the less opportunities there are for manipulation. Expressing your attitude towards the current regional government at the Duma elections is another incentive and reason to come to the polling stations on December 4.
Citizens of Russia are currently deprived of the opportunity to elect heads of federal subjects or recall them from high positions. But they are not deprived of the opportunity to come to the polls and vote against United Russia. Today this is the most effective way to assess regional power. I am sure that in many places such an assessment will be unflattering. So some people will inevitably have to leave their familiar offices soon. And the status of a “locomotive” will not save you. Quite the contrary.