Heckler Confronts Ramaswamy Over Controversial Ad Featuring Opponent's Estranged Mother

Vivek Ramaswamy faced a heckler at a Tuesday town hall in Westerville, Ohio, who vociferously objected to a controversial campaign ad featuring his Democratic opponent Amy Acton's biological mother, Donna Arthur. The ad includes Arthur stating Acton is a 'liar' about her past.

Ramaswamy's campaign confirmed it produced the ad and plans to spend $4 million to broadcast it online and on television. Acton, who is running against Ramaswamy for governor of Ohio, responded furiously to the commercial. In a statement released by her brother, Phillip Stearns, Acton's campaign alleged that Acton and Stearns were removed from Arthur's custody at age 12 due to severe abuse and neglect, as well as sexual abuse by their stepfather. The ad uses Arthur's claims that Acton has lied about her upbringing, including claims of homelessness and living in a tent.

During the town hall, the heckler, whose words were partially obscured in video footage, could be heard questioning why Ramaswamy ran the ad and referencing rape allegations against Acton's stepfather when she was 12. Ramaswamy remained composed as security escorted the protester out, stating the individual could ask a question at the end if they were patient.

Acton has condemned Ramaswamy for the ad, calling it a lifelong pattern of personal attacks. Her brother's statement detailed that their stepfather, Cledith Arthur, was arrested and charged with raping Acton in 1978 after Acton's biological father reported the alleged abuse, which reportedly occurred from December 1976 to April 1978. Cledith Arthur pleaded not guilty, was indicted, and remained a fugitive before his death.

Acton has not seen her mother since a 1978 court appearance. Stearns corroborated Acton's account of their childhood, stating he remembers his older sister shielding him from abuse. Stearns also released a response ad criticizing Ramaswamy and his allies for exploiting the situation.

The controversial ad has drawn bipartisan criticism. While some Republicans, including Donald Trump Jr. and Laura Loomer, amplified the ad, others like Meghan McCain have called it "dastardly." Sherrod Brown, a Democratic candidate for Senate in Ohio, described the ad as "disgusting."

Recent polls indicate Acton leading Ramaswamy in the race for Ohio governor. A Marist University poll released Tuesday showed Acton with 50 percent of likely voters compared to Ramaswamy's 43 percent. Independents favored Acton 53 percent to 34 percent. However, the poll also indicated that 49 percent of likely voters believe Ramaswamy will win the election, versus 45 percent who believe Acton will win.