Kremlin favourite campaigns as Putin's alter ego

By Oleg Shchedrov

PENZA, Russia (Reuters) - Who looks like President Vladimir Putin, speaks and moves like Putin -- but is not the man himself?

Step forward Dmitry Medvedev, Putin's chosen successor for the top Kremlin job.

The 42-year-old Medvedev has built his campaign on a pledge to continue his mentor's popular policies. But, on the campaign trail for Russia's March presidential election, there is no mistaking who is boss.

When the two visited the snowy city of Penza, 700 km (400 miles) east of Moscow, last week to open a new hospital, Medvedev deferred to Putin at every turn.

Putin told local officials they needed to find a better way of purchasing equipment and added: "I want the ministers and, perhaps, you, Dmitry Anatolyevich, to get involved."

Medvedev, who was catching Putin's every word, obediently started making notes.

Despite differences of background, Medvedev, a lawyer, copies many of the habits of his boss, a 55-year-old former KGB spy.

That goes for how he lays his hands on the table or how he stresses key words in speeches.