Vance Tells Republicans to Stop Whining Over Controversial Ohio Attack Ad

US Vice-President JD Vance, campaigning in Ohio, has urged fellow Republicans to stop "whining" about a controversial attack ad in the state's governor's race. The ad features Donna Arthur, the estranged mother of Democratic candidate Amy Acton, claiming her daughter "lied her entire life". It was produced by the campaign of Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, whom Vance was supporting.

What the ad leaves out

The ad does not mention that Donna Arthur's husband, Cledith Arthur, was charged in 1978 with raping Acton when she was a child. Acton and her brother were removed from their mother's custody, and Acton says she has not spoken to her since, as she told Ohio outlet The Vindicator. The Arthurs fled the state and Cledith Arthur was never prosecuted; he died in 2004. Acton's brother has called the ad a "despicable low".

The ad first appeared on social media on Monday evening with no indication of who paid for it. On Tuesday Ramaswamy confirmed it came from his campaign and pledged a further $4m to air it.

Criticism from both sides

The ad has drawn bipartisan criticism. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said Ramaswamy is "a bad guy". Ohio Senator John Husted, who is up for re-election, said he would not have run it. Frank LaRose, a candidate for state auditor, said he probably wouldn't run such an ad but that each candidate decides for themselves.

Asked by BBC News whether the ad was appropriate, Vance said it was "not really my concern" and that what mattered was who would govern the country. He later defended the ad at a rally. President Donald Trump said he knew nothing about it.

David Lublin, a professor at American University, said attack ads have become more intense and expects this one to backfire. Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan site that tracks US elections, has moved the race from "leans Republican" to "toss up", although Ohio has not elected a Democratic governor in over two decades.