A year ago, Joni Ernst was a virtually unknown state legislator in Iowa running a long-shot bid for the U.S. Senate. She hadn’t yet released the “squeal” ad that would put her on the path to GOP stardom—and made hog castration part of the national campaign lexicon. That wouldn’t come until more than a month later.
Now, not even a month into her first term, Sen. Ernst is preparing for prime time, having been chosen by party leaders to give the Republican response to the president’s State of the Union address. No new senator has ever been tapped for the job!
Ernst’s fast rise—from a self-characterized farm girl to the first woman to represent her state in Congress—exemplifies what many people love about politics. Her story and resume—she’s also the first woman combat veteran in the Senate—has charmed even the institution’s dinosaurs. Mitch McConnell said she brings a “unique perspective” to the chamber.
By winning the Iowa seat held for three decades by Democrat Tom Harkin, Ernst helped Republicans win control of the Senate and make McConnell the majority leader.
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