Original sentence: The following are individuals who are, or have been, the subject of speculation in prominent media sources as being possible presidential contenders in the 2012 presidential election for the nomination of a third party or as independent candidates
Edited sentence: An independent  candidate is one who runs with no formal party affiliation.The following are individuals who are the subject of speculation in prominent media sources as being possible candidates for the nomination of a party other than that of the Democratic or Republican party, or possible indenpendent candidates in the 2012 presidential election