Traditional, conservative values - that was the focus for Iowa state senator Joni Ernst as she began her campaign for the US Senate. Thursday she wound up a two-day, six stop "introduction tour" in Davenport. As a mother, member of the Iowa National guard, and a conservative, Ernst says her values are being threatened by what she calls the "failed policies" of the Obama Administration.
"I want to insure that my daughter and her generation inherit the same great nation that we inherited. And I see the policies of this president, such as Obama-care, cap and trade, and high taxes, as theatening that."
Ernst, who's from Red Oak in southwest Iowa, has served in the Iowa senate for three years, following six years as Montgomery County Auditor. She's also served 21 years in the Reserves and Guard, including a deployment Kuwait and Iraq. And she's a strong supporter of the Second Amendment.
"As a lifetime member of the NRA with an A rating,and someone that has an Iowa conceal-carry permit who actually does carry, you can be guaranteed that when I go to Washington, I will continue to defend our shared second amendment rights."
Ernst kicked off the introduction tour Wednesday with stops in Red Oak, Council Bluffs, and Sioux City, followed by appearances Thursday in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport. She's one of at least five republicans interested in running for the Senate seat being vacated next year by democrat Tom Harkin.