Vivek’s Ad Pushes Newspaper To Back Democrat Amy Acton

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Ohio’s largest newspaper has reversed its policy of staying out of major races to endorse Democrat Amy Acton for governor, citing an advertisement by her Republican rival, Vivek Ramaswamy, that it said “weaponizes the sexual abuse his opponent, Amy Acton, suffered as a child.”

The editorial board of The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com endorsed Acton in an editorial titled ‘We cannot remain silent: Amy Acton for governor’, published on October 25. The board said, “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.”

“Today, we endorse Democrat Amy Acton for governor. This reverses a policy we announced just months ago,” the editorial said, noting that readers had previously indicated they did not need the newspaper’s guidance in races for governor, the US Senate and president.

“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 said “Ramaswamy’s decision to release this vile advertisement reveals a failure of judgment that Ohio cannot afford in its governor.” It also criticized Ramaswamy for declining to participate in its 15-part series answering readers’ questions, in which Acton and Libertarian candidate Don Kissick took part.

The board further criticized Ramaswamy for moving his business from Ohio to Texas, adding, “Donald Trump’s endorsement cannot substitute for accountability, preparation or judgment.”

Praising Acton, who served as Ohio’s health director under Republican Governor Mike DeWine during the Covid-19 pandemic, the editorial board said, “Acton is prepared.” It urged voters to “Stand with decency on Nov. 3.”

The Akron Beacon Journal editorial board has also endorsed Acton, citing Ramaswamy’s attacks but also the Democrat’s leadership abilities.

The advertisement at the center of the controversy features Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who calls her daughter a “liar” in the ad.

Ramaswamy has refused to back down over the advertisement. “The fact of the matter is, I am running against somebody who is crazy, unstable, and dishonest,” Ramaswamy said.

Ramaswamy’s campaign is backing the advertisement with an advertising buy of about $4 million. More than 676,000 Ohioans have already cast early ballots ahead of the November 3 election.(IANS)