stalking horse

Definition

A candidate who runs not to win but to test the waters, draw fire from the real candidate, or divide opposition. They're the political equivalent of a decoy, and often don't realize it until too late.

Example Usage

The moderate challenger was dismissed as a stalking horse for the party establishment, designed to weaken the progressive frontrunner before the real candidate entered.

Origin

From hunting practice of using a horse (or horse-shaped screen) to conceal hunters stalking prey; political use since 17th century

Fun Fact

In corporate takeovers, a stalking horse makes the opening bid to set the floor price—politics borrowed the term for candidates who perform the same function.

Source: Campaign strategy terminology

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