GOP gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign confirmed it produced a $4 million attack ad featuring his Democratic opponent Amy Acton’s estranged mother; the ad accuses Acton of lying about her past, and Acton’s brother called it a “disgusting attack.”
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign has confirmed it is behind a $4 million attack advertisement that features his opponent Amy Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur. The commercial, which began circulating online late Monday, includes Arthur accusing her daughter of dishonesty and disputing aspects of Acton’s childhood.
“She lies about her past,” Arthur states in the ad. “She’s lied her entire life.”
Acton, a physician and former Ohio public health director, has publicly discussed experiencing childhood sexual abuse and her decades-long estrangement from her mother. Historical records indicate her stepfather was arrested and charged with her rape when she was 12. He pleaded not guilty and never convicted, later dying. Acton has stated her mother failed to protect her.
Acton responded to the advertisement by accusing Ramaswamy of exploiting her painful family history for political gain. Her brother, Philip Stearns, also condemned the commercial, calling it a “disgusting attack.”
The ad has drawn criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans. Commentator Meghan McCain and former challenger Casey Putsch have spoken out against it, with Mary Katharine Ham questioning if attacking an opponent through an estranged parent would generate sympathy for the target.
Despite the backlash, Ramaswamy’s campaign remains unapologetic. Campaign manager Jonathan Ewing told Axios, “This is a campaign-ending moment for Amy Acton. The people who know her best keep warning Ohioans about her.” Donald Trump Jr. shared the video, encouraging voters to consider its message. Ramaswamy’s campaign stated that Acton “has some serious problems with the truth that the public needs to be aware of.”
Acton’s campaign released a video featuring Stearns, who stated, “Shame on Vivek. It’s the contempt he has for Amy. It’s the contempt he has for Ohio. He’s not fit to lead.”
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