One running around with single escort (9)
I believe the answer is:
candidate
'one running' is the definition.
(someone running for office)
'around with single escort' is the wordplay.
'around' becomes 'c' (abbreviation for 'circa').
'with single' becomes 'andi' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'escort' becomes 'date' (synonyms).
'c'+'andi'+'date'='CANDIDATE'
(Other definitions for candidate that I've seen before include "One hoping to be chosen" , "Campaigner" , "Detain cad seeking appointment" , "Person who seeks appointment to an office" , "one seeking election" .)