Mr Luzhkov and Mr Primakov are positioned near the centre of Russian politics, but appeal also to some nationalist voters.

BBC: News | Russia at the polls

There were also some procedural issues in the appeal that are way too lawyerly for me, but what really intrigues me is what the story behind the story is.

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The relatively recent addition of the digital channel ITV2 should also appeal to advertisers, though some are concerned about rising advertising prices if the new giant is allowed to flex its muscles.

BBC: NEWS | Business | ITV: A third force in broadcasting

There is also the risk of diminishing Tumblr's appeal among some users with too-aggressive a push to bring in advertising revenue.

WSJ: Yahoo Deal Shows Power Shift

He added that as the ruling also affected convictions, it could prompt some defence lawyers to consider an appeal.

BBC: Witness ruling halts murder trial

As well as Mr Balls' proposed VAT cut, "in an attempt to put pressure on the chancellor ahead of next month's Budget, he also sets out an alternative menu of options which he thinks might appeal to some Conservative and Lib Dem backbenchers", says BBC political correspondent Iain Watson.

BBC: Ed Balls suggests Budget tax cut options

Some of her past positions - such as asserting that homosexuality could be "cured" - also limit her appeal to convinced conservatives.

BBC: Barack Obama struggles as Republicans seek a candidate