Ohio governor says ramaswamy should drop ad featuring accusation that acton is a liar

DeWine urges removal

DeWine, Ohio’s Republican governor, said Thursday that Ramaswamy should take down the ad targeting Acton, the Democratic nominee. “It’s wrong to run this ad,” DeWine told reporters, adding that he would urge the campaign to remove it.

DeWine declined to say whether he had spoken with Ramaswamy’s campaign. He said he was not withdrawing his endorsement of the Republican nominee.

Ad draws competing accounts

The ad began circulating on social media Monday night, with its origins unclear. Ramaswamy confirmed Tuesday that it was produced by his campaign and defended its content, saying people who knew Acton best had urged voters to choose him instead.

Acton previously discussed abuse by her now-deceased stepfather. Campaign-provided documents say Arthur was charged in 1978 with raping Acton, who was then between 10 and 12. He pleaded not guilty and left the area while out on bond; the case did not go to trial.

Republicans respond to dispute

Luck said Acton’s mother was speaking about what Luck described as a pattern of lying, not abuse, and argued that coverage should reflect that distinction rather than the Acton campaign’s account. Acton said some Republicans lacked the courage to criticize an ad that she said crossed a boundary. Vice President Vance urged elected Republicans to stop complaining about the advertisement and focus on winning the race in 13 days. Former Republican Rep. Jim Renacci warned that Republicans who failed to distance themselves could also suffer politically.

Trump comments on advertisement

President Trump said Wednesday that he knew nothing about the ad. He called the situation unusual, referring to a mother’s hostility toward her daughter, but said he did not think it had anything to do with Ramaswamy.