Ohio's Biggest Newspaper Breaks Endorsement Policy To Slam Vivek Ramaswamy

Ohio's largest newspaper has reversed its policy against endorsing candidates in major races to back Democrat Amy Acton for governor, condemning Republican Vivek Ramaswamy for his campaign advert featuring Acton's mother calling her a "liar."

"Vivek Ramaswamy, seeking the highest office in this state, has produced a campaign advertisement that weaponizes the sexual abuse his opponent, Amy Acton, suffered as a child," The Plain Dealer wrote in an editorial.

It added that the advert crossed "a line that Ohioans should defend, whatever their party."

Acton has said she was sexually abused as a child by her stepfather, who was charged with rape before he fled the state. The Democratic candidate said she had not seen her mother since the events took place when she was 12.

The Plain Dealer said it was reversing a policy it had announced a few months ago to no longer make endorsements for governor, U.S. Senate and president, and to instead focus on down-ballot races.

"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 newspaper said.

This is a developing story. More to follow.