I hope it plays out like the Brat-Cantor race, where Cantor's negative adds helped Brat, especially with name recognition.
That is exactly what she said was happening. Some people she knew slightly at her work setting did not even know she was mounting a primary challenge and the attack ads alerted them and gave them a place to center their support and donations.
Exactly what happened with Forbes vs Taylor. The attacks were over the top and Taylor won in spite of being outspent 10 to 1.
To the dismay of more than a few vichy FReepers.