TRENTON - Governor Mikie Sherrill rushed to Amy Acton's defense after the Ohio gubernatorial candidate's Republican opponent dropped a widely condemned ad on her that features Acton's elderly mother.

"In Jersey, I'm no stranger to tough politics," Sherrill said. "Even so, this disgusting attack from Vivek Ramaswamy is a new low and unfit for anyone seeking public office."

By way of context, via The BBC:

The race to be Ohio's next governor has turned ugly after the Republican candidate released an advertisement in which his Democratic opponent's estranged mother urged people not to vote for her in the upcoming midterm elections.

In the ad, Donna Arthur, the mother of Democratic candidate Amy Acton, said her daughter "lied her entire life". It does not mention that Arthur's husband was charged with raping Acton when she was a child.

Acton's brother is among those who have condemned the ad, saying turning alleged sexual assault into "a political talking point" was a "despicable low".

In an intense Ohio contest, Acton is locked up - or slightly ahead - of her Republican opponent, who subsequently had to handle a heckler over the controversial ad.

Said Sherrill:

"Amy Acton is a dedicated public servant, doctor, and mother. As a lifetime public servant myself, Amy's work inspires me. She's the type of tough, competent leader we need."