Ad Featuring Amy Acton's Estranged Mother Draws Criticism in Ohio Governor's Race
Photo: The New York TimesA political video in which Amy Acton's estranged mother calls her a liar has stirred the Ohio governor's race about two weeks before Election Day. Acton, the Democratic candidate, leads Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the polls by 3.6 percentage points. In the video, her mother says Acton lied about living in a tent as a child. The two reportedly have not spoken since the mother backed her husband after his arrest on rape charges. Acton's brother has criticized the ad, and Meghan McCain called it "dastardly" on X and blamed whatever consultant firm made it. No campaign has claimed credit for the video.
Right-leaning outlets lead with the mother's claims. The Blaze calls them damaging to Acton and a possible lifeline for Ramaswamy, while the Daily Caller says the ad backfired on him. Left-leaning outlets describe it as a Republican ad and put the family's reaction first. Alternative outlets focus on who made it and on McCain's response. Sources differ on its origin: left outlets tie the ad to Republicans and Ramaswamy, while Straight Arrow News says no campaign is taking credit.
How the sides differ Left sources stress the family's backlash against Ramaswamy over the ad; right sources frame the mother's claims as a boost to him; alternative sources question who made it.
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The New York Times calls it a Republican attack ad and notes the estrangement. Rolling Stone leads with Acton's brother calling the ad despicable and targeting Ramaswamy.
Straight Arrow News asks who is behind the video and notes that no campaign claims it. The Hill leads with Meghan McCain's criticism of the ad.
The Blaze presents the mother's claims as damaging to Acton and a possible help to Ramaswamy. The Daily Caller says the ad backfired on Ramaswamy.