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Ohio governor's race takes ugly turn with attack ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- A new anonymous attack ad features Amy Acton's estranged mother accusing her of lying and defending GOP opponent Vivek Ramaswamy, prompting Acton's campaign and brother to condemn the ad as a "despicable low."
- The ad references past sexual abuse Acton endured from her stepfather, Cledith Arthur, who was charged but never convicted, with Acton's family accusing Ramaswamy of exploiting this trauma for political gain.
- The ad has circulated on social media without disclosure of its sponsor, and Ramaswamy's campaign has neither confirmed nor denied involvement but criticized Acton's truthfulness.
- Acton, former Ohio public health commissioner, has publicly discussed her abusive and impoverished childhood, with court records supporting her claims and showing a troubled family history.
- Ramaswamy's supporters have launched multiple personal attacks against Acton, who remains a polling frontrunner, while other personal incidents from her past have also been brought to light during the campaign.
