running mate
☆
- a horse used in a race to set the pace for another horse from the same stable
- a candidate for the lesser of two closely associated offices, as for the vice-presidency, in his or her relationship to the candidate for the greater office
See running mate in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun- The candidate or nominee for the lesser of two closely associated political offices.
- A companion.
- A horse used to set the pace in a race for another horse.