The article contains analysis of the perception, by regional elites and by the regional expert community, of the changes in the system of relations between the Center and the regions that took place in the period of 2000 to 2006. The presented analysis is based on the results of the empirical investigations undertaken in 2004 and in 2006. Comparison of these investigations demonstrates essential difference in the reception of the Center’s novelties by the regions. In 2004, the estimations, on the part of regional leaders, of the strengthening of the Center’s powers were mainly negative. In 2006 the elite’s representatives manifest themselves more positively in the estimation of the Center’s policy, holding that the power vertical is rather a pragmatic construction, not so much dangerous as remunerative. Rapidly growing in their milieu is the number of supporters of the vertical, who are gradually learning to derive from it economic and political advantages, to secure influx of additional financial means into regions.