An advertisement earlier this week featuring Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has drawn significant backlash from both Democrats and Republicans. However, a political strategist in Ohio suggests that the history of Ramaswamy’s opponent, former health director Amy Acton, is more pivotal to the election’s outcome.
The controversial ad includes claims from Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who accuses her daughter of fabricating details about her childhood and questions her capability to serve as governor. In response, Acton stated that she and her brother were taken from their mother’s care after allegations of sexual abuse against her stepfather surfaced. Democrats and some Republicans quickly condemned Ramaswamy’s use of the ad, which he is defending and has invested millions in promoting over the coming weeks.
This situation escalated on social media and even caught the attention of former President Donald Trump, who vocally supported Ramaswamy. Mehek Cooke, an Ohio attorney and political strategist, told Fox News Digital that the focus should shift to Acton’s track record rather than the advertisement itself. “We really need to ask Ohioans who they want in charge,” Cooke remarked. “Trust in Amy Acton is clearly lacking, and she has a history to back that up.”
Acton’s past involves both professional and personal controversies that have been highlighted by advertisements across Ohio. She served as health director under Republican Governor Mike DeWine during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the state enforced school closures, restricted businesses, and implemented a stay-at-home order.
During her tenure, Acton authorized limitations on nursing-home visitations, closed senior centers, restricted mass gatherings, and shut down gyms and personal service establishments. She eventually stepped down amid criticism regarding the adverse effects of these lockdowns.
Cooke expressed that Acton’s decisions during the pandemic have significantly influenced public perception, stating, “She was instrumental in locking down the state and our children. I wouldn’t want to hire someone who abandons their responsibilities during a crisis.”
Moreover, criticisms about Acton’s management of nursing homes emerged, especially with Ohio’s early ban on visitors which kept facility residents apart from their families. The Ohio Department of Health faced lawsuits for not releasing detailed COVID-19 death statistics from nursing homes, and a court later found that they had violated public-records law regarding this data. Although the ruling didn’t pin personal responsibility on Acton, it raised ongoing questions about her transparency in office.
Legal challenges from gyms over the closure orders also surfaced, with courts describing state actions as “arbitrary and oppressive,” although subsequent developments complicated those legal battles. Recently, allegations emerged from current and former state workers about Acton’s emotional volatility during the state’s pandemic management, including reports of her being distressed before critical meetings.
Additionally, a 2019 police report regarding a domestic dispute at Acton’s home has surfaced as a topic of concern in the campaign. The report describes her daughter reporting that Acton was drinking and acting aggressively, though ultimately, no charges were filed, and her campaign labeled the incident as a common domestic issue.
On another note, Cooke pointed out that supporting law enforcement is vital for the next governor, suggesting that Acton’s comments, which seemingly likened ICE agents to the KKK, reveal a problematic stance that aligns with the current “defund the police” rhetoric associated with some leftist candidates.
In the midst of the election, while Ramaswamy has faced criticism for using Acton’s mother in his ad, the race has already taken a personal turn, as Acton’s camp has run ads targeting Ramaswamy’s family. Cooke noted, “They attacked Vivek’s mother first. This is a brutal sport in politics where anything in your background gets scrutinized.”
With just under two weeks remaining until the gubernatorial election, Acton has yet to agree to a debate with Ramaswamy. Cooke suggests this avoidance stems from her inability to clearly articulate her position on various issues. “She seems to be using a ‘hide in the basement’ strategy, which is unlikely to succeed,” she said.
“It’s apparent she lacks a defined stance. The current narrative is to keep her hidden, allowing others to script her policies,” Cooke added, describing a recent interaction where a doctor, identifying as an Independent, dismissed the impact of Ramaswamy’s ad, stating, “What’s more important is her integrity. I know what Vivek stands for, but I have no clue about her.”
Polling conducted before the ad controversy indicates a closely contested race, with likely voters leaning towards Acton at 50% to Ramaswamy’s 48%.
