Ernst not best choice for Senate

Joni Ernst is doing well in the polls. Apparently her quaint folksy campaign with flags, soldiers, church steeples, old tractors, claims of what she'll do is appealing. Sen. Chuck Grassley's endorsement: 'Will bring common sense” to the Senate. That's ironically amusing. The Tea Party dominated House of Representatives, of the 'do nothing Congress,” has displayed remarkably little sense, common or otherwise. Ernst a Tea Party candidate? Near the mark.

Ernst makes radical statements (then back pedals). Examples: 'The president is a dictator who should be impeached.” 'States can nullify federal law.” 'Medicaid recipients have no personal responsibility for their health.” 'Have reason to believe Iraq had WMD.” (The Bush Administration: There were none. Zero evidence!) 'Reason to believe” is her 'common sense”?

Bruce Braley's comment saying the head of the Senate Judiciary Committee should be an attorney, not a farmer, is disrespectful? She can show respect by seeking legal advice from a farmer.

The darker side: Ernst appears to care little for those struggling to stay in the middle class and working poor - no minimum wage increase and repeal the Affordable Care Act - destroy the lifeline millions have to health insurance, dooming them to less care, an early grave, or one serious illness from bankruptcy. Replace the ACA with a Republican plan? What plan?

Jim Highly

Fairfax