The exercise of local elective functions is increasingly governed by regulations and judicial bodies. It is also subject to supervision by a variety of players. However, this supervision does not prevent the persistence of grey areas giving rise to controversial assessments and judgements. Based on a case study, this article looks back at the affairs associated with the mayor of a French municipality. It examines the dynamics of characterization regarding breaches of probity. It then sheds light on the varied relationships that political actors have with the standards and the material means of doing politics.