Ernst focuses on childrens' issues during U.S. Senate campaign stop

State Sen. Joni Ernst called herself pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, pro-traditional marriage, a solider and a conservative during a campaign stop at a Waukee coffee shop Thursday.

But the Republican from Red Oak is unique in at least one way among the growing field of Republicans seeking to replace U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin in Washington, and it was the first self-described attribute on her list: mom.

Ernst, 43, a lieutenant colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard, is the only female candidate in the race which includes former U.S. Attorney Matt Whitaker, college professor Sam Clovis, former Washington, D.C. staffer David Young and, potentially, former energy executive Mark Jacobs. They're vying for a chance to take on presumptive Democratic nominee, U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley.

Not that her gender will make any difference, said Ernst.

“I just know that I'm the best candidate regardless of race and gender," she said, "because I am a mother that is concerned about our opportunities to provide for our children and our children's opportunities as they get older.”

The Thursday morning stop was the first in a second day of Ernst's statewide announcement tour. The event brought about three dozen people to a Caribou Coffee shop in suburban Des Moines that's part of a new Hy-Vee grocery development.

Ernst spoke for roughly 15 minutes about working through a tough economy in Montgomery County, leading convoys in Afghanistan with a National Guard unit, her concern about federal government “overreach,” and her support for conservative causes.

“I believe that life begins at conception. I also believe in traditional marriage, one man and one woman,” Ernst said. “I am Army qualified on the 9mm and the M-16. I have a concealed carry permit and I carry.”

Among the crowd was Gloria Mazza of Clive, who said she was impressed with Ernst when they two met volunteering for Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign.

“She's the total conservative package,” Mazza said.