His most notable competitors , Kirilenko and Suslov , were older than Brezhnev and therefore not seen as likely candidates .
While Brezhnev never had a clear heir apparent , Kulakov was seen as a likely successor due to his age .
Kulakov 's most notable competitors , Kirilenko and Suslov , were older Brezhnev Brezhnev and therefore not seen as likely candidates .
While Brezhnev never had a clear heir apparent , Kulakov was seen as a likely successor due to his age .