Vivek Ramaswamy attack ad uses rival's estranged mother
Republican Vivek Ramaswamy released an ad. In it, an estranged mother attacks her daughter, Democrat candidate Amy Acton.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican running for Ohio governor, released a television ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother attacking her character. In the ad, Donna Arthur says Acton lied about her childhood.
Donna Arthur lost custody of Acton as a child. The two women have not spoken since 1978.
Acton has publicly said she was sexually abused by her stepfather. Campaign records show he was charged and indicted.
Ramaswamy confirmed his campaign produced the ad and stood by it. He said Acton refused to debate him.
The ad was boosted by President Trump's son Don Jr. It was also boosted by former Fox News host Megyn Kelly. Far-right influencer Laura Loomer also boosted it.
Few Republicans publicly condemned it.
- Ohio gubernatorial election
- Race location
- Donna Arthur, Acton's estranged mother
- Attack source
- Stepfather was charged and indicted
- Abuse documentation
Why it mattersThe ad shows how far US election campaigns will go with deeply personal attacks. They are crossing traditional boundaries.
AustraliaAustralian observers worry this style of personal-attack politics may filter into local campaigns, as One Nation has already imported similar tactics.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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