captive candidate

English

Noun

captive candidate (plural captive candidates)

1. (politics, derogatory) A political candidate who is under the control or influence of another person.
   • 1952, Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, page 807:

     Fortunately — very fortunately — the American people have a happy alternative to this bankrupt Republican campaign and its captive candidate.

   • 1983, ILR Report, volumes 21-22, page 21:

     I want to start with an immediate and firm disclaimer. Walter Mondale is not a captive candidate of the “special-interest bosses of labor.”