Bolter (politics)

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In American politics, bolters are party members who do not support the regular nominee of their party. The "bolt" may occur at the party convention as in 1912 when Theodore Roosevelt and his followers withdrew from the Republican Party (see Progressive party) or it may occur after the convention or primary has been held.

Source: Dictionary of American History by James Truslow Adams, New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1940