Shades of Gray: Perspectives on Campaign Ethics

To many, the term campaign ethics is an oxymoron. Questionable campaign conduct occurs at many levels, from national presidential elections to local delegate contests. Campaign ethics goes beyond mere ethical dilemmas or trying to decide whether or not a particular act is above board. The chapters in this volume examine the broad questions of ethics in campaigns from the perspective of those actors who play critical roles in them, as well as the scholars who study them. The contributors - who include leading academics, as well as practitioners from the world of campaigning and campaign reform - outline, assess and critique the roles and responsiblities of candidates, citizens, organized interest groups, political parties, professional campaign consultants and the media, in ensuring ethical campaigns.