Every candidate for public office has an obligation to observe and uphold basic principles of decency, honesty and fair play in order that, after vigorously contested but fairly conducted campaign, citizens may exercise their constitutional right to a free and informed choice that expresses their will. Public office is a public trust. Every candidate for public office in the State of Texas is expected by the voters to adhere to the following basic principles.
THEREFORE:
1. I SHALL CONDUCT my campaign openly and publicly, discussing the issues as I see them, presenting my record and policies with sincerity and frankness, and criticizing without fear and without malice the record and policies of my opponents and their political parties that merit such criticism.
2. I SHALL NOT USE campaign material relating to any candidate's election which misrepresents, distorts, or otherwise falsifies the facts regarding the candidate.
3. I SHALL REFRAIN from the use of personal vilification, character defamation, or any other form of scurrilous personal attacks on any candidate or his family.
4. I SHALL CONDEMN any dishonest or unethical practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our American system of free elections or that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the voters.
5. I SHALL CONDEMN any appeal to prejudice based on race, sex, religion, national origin or age.
6. I SHALL NOT COERCE election help or campaign contributions for myself or for any other candidate from my employees or my subordinates.
7. I SHALL ACCEPT full responsibility for the conduct of those persons working directly in my campaign and shall pledge immediate action against retaining any person who violates any provision of this Code or the laws governing elections.
8. I SHALL NOT ORIGINATE or spread any malicious or unfounded accusations against any candidate which are aimed at creating or exploiting doubts on the part of the public as to the candidate's loyalty and patriotism.
9. I IMMEDIATELY AND PUBLICLY repudiate support deriving from any individual or group, on behalf of my candidacy, to the methods and tactics which I condemn. I, the undersigned candidate for election to public office in the State of Texas, have read the above provisions, and thereby endorse, subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct my campaign in accordance with the above Code of Fair Campaign Practices
--Mike Keasler