LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Stalking: Stalking Horse
built 185 days ago
A more recent example of a stalking horse (though likely without prior coordination) can be seen in the example of the 2003 California recall. Dissatisfaction with then-Governor Gray Davis led U.S. Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA) to mount a recall campaign to oust Davis, using much of his own money. Issa managed to force the issue into a two-point referendum. The first point was on whether or not to replace Davis. The second point would have been to select a successor. Issa ran on the second point, and then several other candidates, one of whom was actor/bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, entered the fray.
Source:
A quibble on language - A stalking horse is something used for cover while stalking. The phrase originally comes from the practice of hiding behind a horse while it grazed in a field and slowly moved towards those partridges - partridges don’t notice if a horse has six legs. A stalking horse provides a screen for the stalker, but doesn’t itself stalk.
Source:
The term stalking horse originally derived from the practice of hunting, particularly of wildfowl. Hunters noticed that many birds would flee immediately on the approach of humans, but would tolerate the close presence of animals such as horses and cattle.
Source:
The stalking horse bid for the Metabolife assets is part of a strategic plan to build the ISI portfolio of nutritional and natural products and brands dedicated to supporting and promoting healthy lifestyles. Key assets being acquired include the company's core non-ephedra brands, Metabolife Ultra, Metabolife Complete, Metabolife Ultra Caffeine Free and Metabolife Green Tea Formula; a state-of-the-art powder and tablet manufacturing facility located in Orem, Utah; and a distribution center in Memphis. The products will continue to be marketed under the Metabolife brand, which will operate as a separate division within ISI.
Source:
A stalking horse is someone or something whose role is to become the focal point for, or the initiator of, a debate or challenge. In reality... their leadership role may be an illusion, and the stalking horse is really working to promote a challenge or debate that will benefit a third party whose identity remains a secret.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Stalking Horse