Related Clues:

• Did laps, perhaps
• Turned yellow, maybe
• Campaigned for office
• Retreated hastily
• Con- ducted
• Helmed
• Competed politically
• Superintended
• Sought public office
• Bled, like dyes
• Flew the coop
• Made (off)
• Absconded
• Had charge of
• If it follows also, it's a failure