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Ramaswamy’s Campaign Defends Attack Ad Featuring Amy Acton’s Estranged Mother Donna Arthur
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Ramaswamy released an attack ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother Donna Arthur. Acton and supporters denounced the ad as despicable and exploitative.
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Ad Sparks Ohio Fallout
Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign told reporters the attack ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, came from his campaign and Ramaswamy viewed it as "legitimate." Amy Acton’s campaign slammed Ramaswamy, alleging his campaign used her estranged mother to urge voters not to support her in the toss-up race. Acton called the ad "despicable" and said, "This is despicable, what he's done," while she argued that many people have experienced trauma or abuse.
“Ramaswamy told reporters on Tuesday that the ad did come from his campaign and that he viewed it as ‘legitimate.’”
Ramaswamy’s campaign spokeswoman Connie Luck said, "We don't know what happened between Amy and her mother," while also calling Acton "a serial fabulist" in a statement. The ad circulated on social media late Monday and ABC News said it had not been able to verify the content or authenticity of the video.
DeWine, Trump, and Vance
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine urged Ramaswamy to withdraw the ad, describing it as "deeply, deeply disturbing" and saying, "It was wrong to air this ad." President Donald Trump sought to defend the ad and Ramaswamy on social media, posting that the ad is "spot on." DeWine told reporters he would simply urge the Ramaswamy campaign to pull it, and he said his wife Fran saw the ad that aired this morning on television.
Vice President JD Vance defended the ad on Wednesday, saying Democrats use "every dirty trick in the political playbook against Vivek" and that he was "a little bit disgusted" by criticism from members of his own party. The dispute widened into a Republican civil war as the BBC said Acton and Ramaswamy are both running to replace outgoing Governor Mike DeWine in the 3 November midterm election.
Review, Spending, and Stakes
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said his office was reviewing complaints about Ramaswamy's ad, which may have initially aired without a legally required disclaimer to tell viewers who paid for it. Ramaswamy claimed responsibility the day after the ad was released on social media and said his campaign would spend $4m (£3m) to air it across the state. The BBC said the editorial board of local Ohio news outlet The Columbus Dispatch endorsed Acton after the ad dropped, describing it as "revolting and unsettling."
“Ramaswamy claimed responsibility the day after the ad was released on social media and said his campaign would spend $4m (£3m) to air it across the state.”
A poll by VoteHub released on Thursday suggested Acton was leading Ramaswamy by 1%, within the margin of error, and noted the surveys were done before the ad. The BBC said that if Acton wins, she would be the first Democrat elected as Ohio governor in two decades, while the Hill said Acton told CBS affiliate WBNS, "So, I think it’s despicable."