Its new iBitz Powerkey tracker is targeted at children, who are encouraged to exercise in order to care for a virtual pet on an associated smartphone app.

BBC: CES 2013: Health and safety technology booms

In addition to department and specialty stores, Hakan thinks puppet paraphernalia would do well at pet stores, too, though that's a tall order considering that they compete directly with the site.

FORBES: Sock, We're Gonna Make You a Star

Others are running or toying with it not because they have any hope of winning the nomination, but in order to raise their profiles, bask in the media's gaze or champion pet causes.

ECONOMIST: The Republicans