Ohio’s Largest Newspaper Endorses Amy Acton After Condemning Vivek Ramaswamy’s Attack Ad

WASHINGTON– Ohio’s largest newspaper has broken with its policy of avoiding endorsements in major statewide races to support Democrat Amy Acton for governor, citing a controversial campaign advertisement by her Republican opponent, Indian American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, that the newspaper accused of exploiting Acton’s childhood sexual abuse.

The editorial board of The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com announced its endorsement in a Sunday editorial titled “We cannot remain silent: Amy Acton for governor,” sharply criticizing Ramaswamy’s campaign tactics ahead of the November 3 election.

The newspaper accused Ramaswamy of running an advertisement that “weaponizes the sexual abuse his opponent, Amy Acton, suffered as a child.”

“A candidate who uses childhood sexual abuse as a weapon against the person who endured it has crossed a line that Ohioans should defend, whatever their party,” the editorial board wrote.

The endorsement represents a reversal of a policy adopted just months earlier, when the newspaper announced it would no longer endorse candidates in races for governor, U.S. Senate or president.

“Today, we endorse Democrat Amy Acton for governor. This reverses a policy we announced just months ago,” the editorial stated.

The board explained that its earlier decision reflected feedback from readers who said they did not need editorial guidance in high-profile political contests.

However, the newspaper said Ramaswamy’s campaign advertisement and the broader stakes of the gubernatorial election had prompted it to reconsider that approach.

“We made our endorsement policy to serve our readers. We cannot let it become a reason to remain silent when we believe Ohio faces a choice this consequential,” the board wrote.

The newspaper strongly criticized Ramaswamy’s decision to release the advertisement, questioning his judgment and suitability for the governor’s office.

“Ramaswamy’s decision to release this vile advertisement reveals a failure of judgment that Ohio cannot afford in its governor,” the editorial stated.

The board also criticized Ramaswamy for declining to participate in a 15-part series responding to questions submitted by readers. Acton and Libertarian candidate Don Kissick participated in the series.

The editorial additionally raised concerns about Ramaswamy’s decision to move his business operations from Ohio to Texas.

“Donald Trump’s endorsement cannot substitute for accountability, preparation or judgment,” the newspaper wrote.

In contrast, the editorial board praised Acton’s qualifications and experience, particularly her tenure as Ohio’s health director under Republican Gov. Mike DeWine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Acton is prepared,” the editorial stated, urging Ohio voters to “Stand with decency on Nov. 3.”

The controversy centers on a campaign advertisement featuring Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who describes her daughter as a “liar,” according to The Hill.

The advertisement has drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, who have condemned the use of Acton’s family history in the gubernatorial race.

Ramaswamy, however, has defended the advertisement and rejected calls to withdraw it.

During an appearance Monday on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” Ramaswamy argued that he was responding to attacks against himself and his family.

“I’ll tell you the advice I was raised in, you never start a fight, but if you find yourself in one, you finish it, and you have to stand for what is right and what is true. They’ve attacked me, they’ve defamed my mother to media silence, it’s unbelievable,” Ramaswamy said.

He also launched a personal attack on Acton, questioning her honesty and temperament.

“The fact of the matter is, I am running against somebody who is crazy, unstable, and dishonest,” Ramaswamy said.

The Republican candidate further accused Acton of avoiding a direct confrontation over the allegations by refusing to participate in debates.

“If they actually believe these are unfair attacks, you know what my opponent would be doing? She would be agreeing to show up on a debate with me. As I agreed to on CNN and NBC, she is hiding because they want to lie and then deflect accountability,” he said.

Ramaswamy’s campaign has committed approximately $4 million to airing the controversial advertisement, signaling that the Republican candidate intends to continue using it despite the criticism.

The controversy comes as voting is already underway in Ohio, with more than 676,000 residents having cast early ballots.

Ramaswamy, 41, is the son of immigrants from Kerala, India, and built his career as a biotechnology entrepreneur before entering national politics.

He sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, gaining national attention during the primary campaign before withdrawing and endorsing Trump.

The former presidential candidate subsequently entered the Ohio gubernatorial race with Trump’s support.

If elected, Ramaswamy would become Ohio’s first Indian American governor and join a small group of Indian American politicians who have served as state governors, including former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.

With Election Day approaching, the controversy surrounding the advertisement has added another contentious issue to the closely watched gubernatorial contest between Ramaswamy and Acton.

Ohio voters will choose their next governor on November 3. (Source: IANS)