There are worse things than losing an election; the worst thing is to lose one’s convictions and not tell the people the truth.

Adlai Stevenson II (1900–1965) American politician, diplomat, statesman

(Attributed)

In Edward Doyle, As We Knew Adlai: The Stevenson Story by Twenty-two Friends (1966).  In response to the suggestion his support for a nuclear test ban would cost him votes.