Ohio governor's race intensifies as Republican Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign released an attack ad featuring Democratic rival Amy Acton's estranged mother, who accuses her of lying about a childhood of abuse. The ad has sparked backlash from both parties and has drawn support from President Trump, who praised the campaign's approach.
Trump endorsed Ramaswamy over the ad, calling it 'so good' and accusing the media of a coordinated attack to undermine the Republican's chances. The ad highlights Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who claims her daughter has 'lied her entire life' and was abused as a child. Arthur's husband, charged with rape, fled before trial and died in 2004.
Current Ohio governor Mike DeWine, a Republican who has endorsed Ramaswamy, called the ad 'wrong' and urged its removal. Vice President J.D. Vance defended Ramaswwy's campaign, stating it was 'good' and that Republicans should 'stop whining' about the ad. The ad has intensified the political firestorm ahead of the November 3 midterms.
Acton's campaign responded with a statement from her brother, Phil Stearns, who criticized the ad, calling it 'shame on Vivek' for focusing on her past. The ad has divided opinions, with some Republicans supporting the campaign's approach and others, including DeWine, condemning it as inappropriate.