CASE

Election Day is in two weeks. You are polling dead even with your opponent. A generous campaign donor, discouraged by your polling numbers, approaches you with information that your opponent has a rocky marriage because his wife allegedly caught him cheating. The donor insists that the information was received from a trusted source and strongly encourages you to take the news to the press. Your opponent is running on a “family values platform.” Ballots have already been mailed and early voting has begun. There is no time to vet the information. Not wanting to offend your donor and desperate to improve your standing in the polls, you direct your campaign manager to go to the press with the information.

Is your conduct ethical? Why or Why not?