National security leaders endorse Acton, blast Ramaswamy over FBI shutdown plan, public safety

DAYTON, Ohio — A national organization made up of more than 1,600 former senior military, diplomatic and national security officials has endorsed Dr. Amy Acton for Ohio governor, praising her approach to public safety and veterans while sharply criticizing Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy’s record.

National Security Leaders for America, which describes itself as a nonpartisan coalition of former senior national security officials from across the political spectrum, announced its endorsement of Acton at an event in Dayton.

The organization’s membership includes retired admirals and generals, former ambassadors, intelligence officials, senior enlisted leaders and former senior civilian government officials. NSL4A says its ranks include more than 300 retired admirals and generals and more than 190 former ambassadors.

In announcing the endorsement, the organization praised Acton’s career in public service and her positions on public safety and veterans — then turned its attention to Ramaswamy.

“Vivek Ramaswamy doesn’t respect America’s core values, citizens, or the role of voters in choosing their own leadership,” the group said in the endorsement announcement.

NSL4A pointed specifically to Ramaswamy’s call to shut down the FBI, the federal drug case involving a former member of his security detail and his plans to dramatically reduce property taxes that help finance local government services.

Ramaswamy called for shutting down the FBI

Ramaswamy’s proposal to eliminate the FBI as it currently exists dates back to his 2024 presidential campaign.

During an April 2023 appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Ramaswamy rejected host Chuck Todd’s characterization that he wanted to merely “defund” the bureau.

“I didn’t say defund the FBI,” Ramaswamy said. “I said shut down the FBI and replace it with something new.”

Ramaswamy said he wanted a new federal law enforcement institution built “from scratch,” arguing that the existing FBI’s culture had become too entrenched. He later included the FBI among several federal agencies he proposed eliminating, while transferring some personnel and responsibilities elsewhere.

That record became one of the central issues cited by the national security group as it endorsed Acton.

Former Ramaswamy bodyguard pleaded guilty in fentanyl case

The organization also pointed to the drug-trafficking case involving Justin Salsburey, who worked for the private security company that provided protection to Ramaswamy and his family.

The case has moved significantly beyond the arrest cited in the endorsement announcement.

Salsburey pleaded guilty in federal court in Columbus in August to participating in a narcotics conspiracy involving bulk quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Federal prosecutors said the investigation began after authorities received information that Salsburey and his wife were receiving packages containing drugs at their Bellefontaine home. His wife also pleaded guilty to federal drug charges.

Ramaswamy fired the security company after Salsburey’s arrest earlier this year.

Group says Ramaswamy tax agenda threatens public safety funding

NSL4A also attacked Ramaswamy’s property tax agenda, arguing that his proposals would threaten money used to fund police, fire departments and other local public services.

Ramaswamy has made large property tax reductions one of the centerpieces of his campaign. His campaign says he would roll property taxes back to pre-pandemic levels while forcing local governments to operate with what it calls greater fiscal discipline.

Ramaswamy’s campaign has simultaneously insisted that the reductions can be carried out without sacrificing police, fire protection or public schools. A campaign advertisement released in March promised lower property taxes while maintaining “dependable police and fire” and strong schools.

NSL4A rejected that pitch, saying Ramaswamy’s tax policies would “gut public safety funding” and make Ohioans less safe.

The dispute goes directly to how Ohio finances local government. Property taxes are a major revenue source for schools and local services, including police, fire and emergency services, meaning large reductions require either replacement revenue, spending cuts or some combination of the two.

Retired military leaders praise Acton

Brigadier General Charlie Martinez, U.S. Air Force retired, said Acton had demonstrated a commitment to public safety and Ohio veterans.

“Dr. Acton is committed to investing in public safety, supporting Ohio’s veterans, and leading Ohio with integrity,” Martinez said. “As a common sense, life-long public servant, Dr. Acton is the strong leader Ohioans deserve to lower costs, tackle corruption and build a state where all of us get a fair shot.”

Rear Admiral Deborah Loewer, a Springfield resident, pointed to Acton’s experience working across government and the private sector.

“Her decades-long relationship in the public and private sector, her ability to reach across the aisle to work with anyone and everyone to make Ohio a better place, to help lower prices, to help with healthcare, just a person who is extremely active with every member,” Loewer said.

Ambassador Jess Baily said Acton has demonstrated the qualities the organization looks for in candidates it supports.

“She understands that elected office means putting aside partisan and personal interests in the name of the public good,” Baily said.

Acton said public safety would be her top priority as governor.

“I always stand up for those who keep our communities safe, advocate for the rule of law, and ensure that our service members and their families receive the respect and support they deserve,” Acton said.

Acton building support from public safety organizations

The national security endorsement adds to Acton’s support from organizations representing Ohio police officers and firefighters.

The Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, which represents more than 8,000 public employees working in law enforcement, endorsed Acton in August, citing her support for collective bargaining and investment in public safety infrastructure. Her campaign has also been endorsed by the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters.

National Security Leaders for America says it was founded in 2021 and includes Republicans, Democrats and independents who previously served in senior military, diplomatic, intelligence and civilian national security positions.

The organization says its mission is centered on defending democratic institutions, constitutional government, the rule of law and a professional national security establishment.

Its endorsement places a coalition of hundreds of retired military officers, former diplomats and senior national security officials behind Acton while putting Ramaswamy’s own public safety record — including his explicit proposal to dismantle the FBI as it currently exists — squarely into Ohio’s race for governor.