A candidate is a person who is running for an elected office or position. A STUMPER is someone who is difficult to answer or solve. A PETITIONER is someone who presents a petition to a court or other authority. A CLAIMANT is someone who makes a claim or demand for something. An APPELLANT is someone who appeals a decision or ruling. A CONTENDER is someone who competes for something. A CONTESTANT is someone who takes part in a competition. A COMPETITOR is someone who competes with another for the same objective. A SUITOR is someone who seeks the affections of another. A SEEKER is someone who searches for something. BUSH, Nader, and GORE are all candidates who ran for president in the United States. An ENTRANT is someone who enters a competition or contest. An ASPIRANT is someone who seeks or aspires to a particular goal. A HOPEFUL is someone who has a feeling of optimism. An APPLICANT is someone who applies for something. A NOMINEE is someone who is named as a candidate for an office or award. A PhD is a doctorate degree. A RUNNER is someone who participates in a race. A PROSPECT is someone who is likely to be chosen or succeed.