At Cincinnati rally, Vance praises Ramaswamy for having audacity over controversial Acton ad
Ad centers on family dispute
The social media ad, which appeared late Monday, features Donna Arthur speaking about her daughter. Arthur says she loves Acton but accuses her of lying about her past and childhood struggles.
Acton has spoken publicly about abuse and her difficult relationship with her mother. She says they have not spoken since she was 12, and has alleged that her stepfather molested her from ages 9 to 12; charges were filed, and Acton testified against him.
Ramaswamy confirms campaign role
Ramaswamy confirmed Tuesday that his campaign produced the ad. He said he wanted the contest to address substantive issues, while accusing Acton of avoiding accountability and debates and of making false claims about him.
Acton, other Democrats and some Republicans condemned the ad and its use of her childhood trauma. In the ad, Stearns calls the move contemptuous toward Acton and Ohio, and says Ramaswamy is unfit to lead.
Vance defends campaign approach
Vance praised Ramaswamy’s willingness to run the ad, calling it the biggest controversy and saying he had not planned to discuss it. He also told voters to concentrate on substance rather than the dispute, then criticized Acton’s work as Ohio’s health director during COVID.
Vance said Acton could not serve as governor because, in his view, she was too concerned about people saying mean things about her. Ramaswamy, who spoke before Vance at the rally, did not mention Acton or refer to his opponent.
Trump says he knew nothing
President Donald Trump was asked about the ad by ABC News White House Correspondent Karen Travers on Wednesday. Trump said he knew nothing about it, then called the situation unusual and said he did not think it had anything to do with Ramaswamy.
The ad surfaced nearly two weeks before Ohio’s midterm elections. The state has a governor’s race as well as key Senate and House contests that could affect the balance of power in Congress.
Key points
- Vance praised Ramaswamy for airing an ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother.
- Ramaswamy confirmed his campaign made the ad, which drew bipartisan criticism.
- Vance urged voters to focus on policy and criticized Acton’s COVID-era role.
- Trump said he knew nothing about the ad when asked Wednesday.