Libel and Slander

You publish a story about the Senator’s alcohol problem and how it has affected his decision making, thus affecting the people he represents.

You will probably be sued for libel. Stating that the Senator’s problem with alcohol has effected his votes is a defamatory statement. The Senator as a public official has to prove actual malice, which he can, because you published the story with no facts, only rumors, thus showing reckless disregard for the truth.

OR

Would you investigate further, and try to find a specific vote that has been effected by the Senator’s problem?