In the world of business and politics, many phrases can be used to convey the idea of competing for something. "Makes play for" is just one of these phrases. Some synonyms for this include "vying for," "contending for," "competing for," and "going after." These phrases all suggest that there is a sense of urgency to obtain something, whether it's a job, a promotion, or a political position. They can be used interchangeably depending on the context of the situation. Regardless of the phrasing, the central idea remains the same: there is a challenge to be met, and someone is determined to win.