Shades of gray : perspectives on campaign ethics / Candice J. Nelson, David A. Dulio, and Stephen K. Medvic, editors.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Nelson, Candice J., 1949-

Dulio, David A.

Medvic, Stephen K.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Political campaigns--United States.

Political campaigns.

United States.

Political ethics--United States.

Political ethics.

Elections--United States.

Elections.

Physical Description:

xi, 262 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Washington, D.C. : Brookings Institution Press, [2002]

Summary:

Elections are arguably the single most important event in American democratic life. While vigorous campaigns are important components of the democratic process, many voters worry that rough-and-tumble campaigns and "negative" tactics misinform and mislead citizens, foment excessive partisanship, and undermine civility in politics -- all at the risk of damaging deliberative democracy. Questionable campaign conduct has become so commonplace that many voters regard the term "campaign ethics" as an oxymoron. Shades of Gray examines 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 book provides a comprehensive assessment of the ethical challenges facing candidates, professional political consultants, political parties, organized interest groups, the media, and citizens. The contributors -- who include leading academics, as well as practitioners from the world of campaigning and campaign reform -- describe ethical standards and establish a framework within which to understand the responsibilities of different campaign actors in ensuring ethical campaigns.

Contents:

Approaching the issue / David A. Dulio, Stephen K. Medvic, and Candice J. Nelson

Civic responsibility or self-interest? / Dale E. Miller and Stephen K. Medvic

Promises and persuasion / L. Sandy Maisel

Winning ethically / L. Dale Lawton and William H. Wood

Hired guns or gatekeepers of democracy? / Candice J. Nelson, Stephen K. Medvic, and David A. Dulio

Wolves or watchdogs? / Carol Whitney

It's the system, stupid! / Robin Kolodny

Conduct, codes, and common sense / Mark A. Siegel

From campaigning to lobbying / James A. Thurber

What money buys / Larry Makinson

The form and content of political communication / Robert E. Denton Jr.

Watchdog, guide, and soapbox / Paul Taylor

The electorate's responsibilities / Michael W. Traugott

More than voting / Brad Rourke.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0815706189

0815706170

OCLC:

49739839