Campaign Ethics

What unethical behaviors can take place in a campaign?

Which behaviors do you think are unethical? Making untrue statements about an opponent Push polls Using scare tactics Suppressing voter turnout Going negative Focusing on criticisms of one’s opponent Focusing on the opponent’s personality

Why do campaigns in particular create circumstances where otherwise good and ethical people may do unethical things?

Why do campaigns get good and ethical people to do unethical things? They believe they are doing it for a greater good. There is no structure in which to evaluate what constitutes ethical behavior. Those who engage in unethical behavior are not punished.

Maisel’s examples of unethical behavior

What behaviors did consultants think were unethical? Making untrue statements about an opponent (97.5%) Push polls (71.5%) Using scare tactics (48%) Suppressing voter turnout (48%) Going negative (1.5%)

How can we get candidates to act ethically?

Does the presence of outside groups in campaigns decrease the likelihood of ethical campaigns?

Maine Code of Election Ethics Campaigns will be based on four principles Honesty and fairness, including not employing surrogates to use subtle deceptions or half-truths and denouncing those who do so without the candidate’s knowledge Respect for one’s opponent, including no use or permitting personal attacks, innuendo, or stereotyping Acceptance of responsibility by the candidate for the actions of campaign staffers and for openness and publicity in discussing issues frankly and sincerely Compassion for the opponent, including recognition that a candidate’s behavior in a campaign affects the integrity of society as a whole.

AAPC Code of Ethics I will not indulge in any activity which would corrupt or degrade the practice of political consulting. I will treat my colleagues and clients with respect and never intentionally injure their professional or personal reputations. I will respect the confidence of my clients and not reveal confidential or privileged information obtained during our professional relationship. I will use no appeal to voters which is based on racism, sexism, religious intolerance or any form of unlawful discrimination and will condemn those who use such practices. In turn, I will work for equal voting rights and privileges for all citizens. I will refrain from false or misleading attacks on an opponent or member of his or her family and will do everything in my power to prevent others from using such tactics. I will document accurately and fully any criticism of an opponent or his or her record. I will be honest in my relationship with the news media and candidly answer questions when I have the authority to do so. I will use any funds I receive from my clients, or on behalf of my clients, only for those purposes invoiced in writing. I will not support any individual or organization which resorts to practices forbidden by this code.