Exclusive: Controversial ad backfiring on Ramaswamy, GOP poll finds
Republicans fear that Vivek Ramaswamy 's explosive attack ad featuring his opponent's estranged mother could cost them the Ohio governor's race, based on new internal polling that shows him falling further behind, Axios has learned. Why it matters: The poll's findings underscore Republicans' anxiety over Ramaswamy's decision to air the deeply personal attack on Democrat Amy Acton despite warnings…
A recent internal poll conducted for Republicans has revealed that Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial ad targeting Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton's estranged mother could be detrimental to Ramaswamy's political prospects. The ad, featuring Acton's mother, Donna Arthur, has led to a significant shift in public opinion, with Acton now leading Ramaswamy by an eight-point margin, up from a two-point lead earlier this month.
The ad, which aired on October 19, has been viewed by 86% of surveyed Ohio voters and has made them more likely to support Acton, according to a memo attached to the poll. The ad's impact on the gubernatorial race is considered significant, prompting warnings from fellow Republicans about its potential to backfire. Despite these concerns, Ramaswamy's campaign has committed $4 million to air the ad statewide.
The controversy has also drawn criticism from outside sources, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who called the ad "wrong" and urged Ramaswamy to remove it.
Written by urgent.news from Axios's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
