U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst made a stop in downtown Newton Monday night to tell Jasper County voters she’ll look out for the interest of all Iowans if elected.
The event held outside of the Jasper County Republican headquarters was the second stop on her Iowa Knows Best tour, a 99 county checklist which started Sunday and will go on for the remaining 43 days until the day of election, Nov. 4.
“I believe Iowans know what is best for Iowans not politicians in Washington D.C.,” Ernst said. “What we’re showing is that every Iowan matters, whether you’re a Republican, whether you’re an independent or whether you’re a Democrat.”
Jasper County Republican Party Chairman Marshall Critchfield hosted the event and introduced Ernst. He said he feels that Ernst’s personality will ultimately get her a seat on the Senate floor in Washington.
A crowd of about 75 people attended the event, many of which were certain of their support for Ernst.
“I think she seems like an honest, trustworthy individual who will stand up for what I believe in, the U.S. and Iowa and make good decisions,” said Mary Rethmeier, of Kellogg.
Ernst spoke about her interest in Iowans, along with her party alliance.
“One thing we’re demonstrating to our party and others outside of the party is that we are a cohesive unit and we are going to work together to take back this seat in the United States Senate — I believe Iowans know what’s best for Iowa not politicians,” Ernst said.
Iowa Senate candidate Crystal Buntz, Iowa House candidate Pat Peyton and Jasper County Supervisor Denny Carpenter were among other candidates in attendance.
“I feel a lot of energy, a lot of enthusiasm and my goodness we have a lot of interest in this race. We’ll see who really cares about Iowans,” Ernst said.
Ernst is running against congressman U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, for Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, 30-year senate seat in Washington.
“This southwest Iowa farm girl is still tied with that eight-year congressman in the polls,” she said.
Contact Staff Writer Kate Malott at (641) 792-3121 ext. 6533 or at kmalott@newtondailynews.com.