Well-funded candidates increasingly use other "[[stalking horse]]" candidates to try to prevent their opponent from gaining a majority, as McCain backers used [[Fred Thompson]] in 2008 to prevent [[Mitt Romney]] from winning while McCain stumbled. Thompson obtained undeserved endorsements from national pro-life groups as well as heavy promotion on the [[Fox News Channel]], despite virtually admitting that he would not become president. Thompson withdrew after serving his purpose of attracting [[pro-life]]rs and other conservatives away from rivals of McCain, and then Thompson immediately endorsed McCain. Stalking horses for Newt Gingrich in 2012 are expected to be Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee. | Well-funded candidates increasingly use other "[[stalking horse]]" candidates to try to prevent their opponent from gaining a majority, as McCain backers used [[Fred Thompson]] in 2008 to prevent [[Mitt Romney]] from winning while McCain stumbled. Thompson obtained undeserved endorsements from national pro-life groups as well as heavy promotion on the [[Fox News Channel]], despite virtually admitting that he would not become president. Thompson withdrew after serving his purpose of attracting [[pro-life]]rs and other conservatives away from rivals of McCain, and then Thompson immediately endorsed McCain. Stalking horses for Newt Gingrich in 2012 are expected to be Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee. |