Voter calls Ramaswamy ad ‘disgusting,’ says it reinforced his choice

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Voters say an attack ad targeting Democratic Ohio governor candidate Dr. Amy Acton reinforced their decisions rather than changing their minds.

The ad surfaced online four days ago and features Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, calling her daughter a liar. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy says his campaign backed the ad.

Acton says she has not seen her mother since 1978. Court records show Acton’s stepfather, Cledith Arthur, was charged with sexually assaulting her when she was a child. Acton says her mother stayed with him.

Related Coverage

• Republican Gov. Mike DeWine denounces Ramaswamy ad featuring Democrat Amy Acton’s estranged mother
• New ad in Ohio governor race features Acton’s mother calling candidate a liar
• Ramaswamy campaign takes credit for controversial ad featuring Acton’s estranged mother

Giani, from Strongsville made the decision to vote early on Thursday because of the ad.

“I was 85% decided on how to vote. But that ad was disgusting for me,” he said.

Riley, a first time voter, questioned using Arthur to criticize her daughter’s character.

“Using her mother as a position of her character when they haven’t interacted for most of her life,” he said.

One Republican voter in Columbus said the ad could backfire but added, “I still love him.”

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose says his office is reviewing the ad’s paid-for-by disclaimer. The review concerns the ad’s funding disclosure and is not a judgment of the ad itself.