Vance defends Ramaswamy ad featuring Acton's estranged mother

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 00:02 · Archive

Vice President JD Vance defended an election ad by Vivek Ramaswamy featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent Dr Amy Acton.

Vice President JD Vance defended an advertisement by Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio's governor's race that features Dr Amy Acton's estranged mother discussing her daughter's childhood. During a campaign visit to Ohio, Vance told reporters he was 'disgusted' by fellow Republicans pushing back against the ad and later drew cheers at a political rally when he defended Ramaswamy, a biotech billionaire and 2024 presidential candidate.

The ad features Donna Arthur, Acton's birth mother, calling her daughter 'a liar' and insinuating mental health issues. Arthur lost custody of her children after their stepfather was indicted for raping Acton. Acton has not seen her birth mother since 1978.

Vance said Ramaswamy had the 'audacity' to run the advertisement after Democrats had 'thrown every dirty trick in the political book' at his 'close personal friend', including calling him a 'murderer'. However, Jon Husted, the Republican running to retain Vance's Senate seat and sharing the campaign stage with him, distanced himself from the ad. 'I would not have run that ad,' Husted said in a statement. The previous day, Democratic opponent Sherrod Brown called the spot 'disgusting' and said everyone, including Husted, should denounce it.

How it is being reported

• Vance says Republicans shouldn’t complain about Ramaswamy ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged motherCOLUMBUS, Ohio — Vice President JD Vance defended an ad Wednesday by Vivek Ramaswamy that features the estranged mother of Dr. Amy Acton, his Democratic opponent for Ohio governor, and spotlights the abuse she experienced as a child, even as the Republican in a tight race to retain Vance’s seat in the Senate distanced himself from the ad.TribLIVE · 21 Oct, 23:28
• Vance says he’s ‘disgusted’ by GOP pushback to Ramaswamy ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged motherPittsburgh Post-Gazette · 21 Oct, 19:55

In this story: JD Vance · Vivek Ramaswamy · Amy Acton · Donna Arthur · Jon Husted · Sherrod Brown · Ohio

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