Leonard is a candidate for county treasurer. A local newspaper columnist writes an article about the three candidates for the office. After Leonard is interviewed, the columnist writes, "I am surprised that an accused murderer can run for office from his jail cell. Isn't our democracy wonderful?" However, Leonard has the same name as a man who is in jail awaiting trial for murder, but the two men are not related to one another. Has the columnist defamed Leonard?

a.

No, because the columnist was merely negligent and not malicious in writing the false statement

b.

Yes, because the statement was of a type that could cause Leonard's reputation to suffer

c.

No, because even false comments made about candidates for public office are not considered libelous

d.

Yes, because the columnist was negligent in not checking the facts before writing the article