From Newsweek · · 1m 10s
Vivek Ramaswamy's Amy Acton Ad Backfires
Vivek Ramaswamy's ad using Amy Acton's mother as a 'liar' backfires in Ohio election.
In brief
Vivek Ramaswamy's ad using Amy Acton's mother as a 'liar' backfires in Ohio election. Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign used Amy Acton's mother to claim she lied about being homeless, but polls show Acton leads by 19 points among independents. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Amy Acton's Mother Ad
An elderly woman claims Amy Acton lied about being homeless as a child and urges voters to reject her.
“My name is Donna Arthur, and I'm Amy Acton's mother”
Ad Claims Acton Lied
The ad surfaced online with no sponsor and claims Acton's stepfather sexually abused her.
“Court records show the stepfather was charged in 1978 with raping Acton, then 12”
Stepfather Fugitive
The stepfather skipped a court hearing and remained a fugitive until at least 1981.
“He was indicted, skipped a court hearing and remained a fugitive until at least 1981”
Acton and Mother Estranged
Arthur lost custody of her children, and Acton says she has not seen her since they shared a courtroom.
“Arthur lost custody of her children, and Acton says she has not seen her since they shared a courtroom”
Ramaswamy Campaign Response
Ramaswamy's campaign claimed the ad and said it would spend $4 million promoting it.
“Ramaswamy's campaign had claimed the ad and said it would spend $4 million promoting it”
Political Backlash
Meghan McCain called the ad 'dastardly' and cast 'shame' on those who made it.
“Meghan McCain called it 'dastardly' and cast 'shame' on those who made it”
Historical Context
Newsweek found 13 cases where one side used a rival's relatives in elections since 2000.
“A Newsweek review of House, Senate and governor's races found 13 cases, across 12 contests going back to 2000”
Historical Outcomes
In 10 cases, the side that reached for the family lost seven times.
“In the 10 cases where the votes have been counted, the side that reached for the family lost seven times”
The headline
Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign used Amy Acton's mother to claim she lied about being homeless, but polls show Acton leads by 19 points among independents.
