U.S. Senate Republican: Joni Ernst

I am often asked what drove me to run for the U.S. Senate. My response is that as a mother, I am worried that the failed policies of President Obama and his ally, Bruce Braley, are threatening our ability to pass along to my daughter and her generation the same great nation we once inherited. Policies SUCH AS Obamacare, higher taxes, and cap and trade are crippling our ability to get America back on track.

In order to do that, Republicans are going to need to first gain a majority in the Senate and that means winning right here in Iowa. I am the Republican candidate best suited to challenge and ultimately defeat Democrat Braley and help us earn that majority. Let me tell you why.

First, on Obamacare, Braley gave the closing argument in favor on the floor of the U.S. House and continues to blindly support it today. I stand for the full repeal of Braley's Obamacare and for its replacement with common-sense, market-driven solutions. As a state senator, I fought against Democrat efforts to expand Medicaid and you can be sure that I will continue the fight against Obamacare in Washington.

On the Second Amendment, Braley has received an 'F” rating from the NRA. Enough said. I have received an 'A” rating and the NRA has endorsed my candidacy in this primary. I am Army qualified on the 9 mm, I am licensed to carry, and I do carry. There will be no stronger Second Amendment advocate than me in the U.S. Senate.

On taxes, Braley has supported one of the largest tax increases in U.S. history. In sharp contrast, I have fought for and helped pass the largest tax decrease in Iowa history - a $4.4 billion savings for Iowa taxpayers over the next decade.

Lastly, Braley stands for big government and the endless job-killing regulations that come with it. Here in Iowa, I have worked with the governor and other Republican leaders toward ending job-killing regulations, making Iowa more business friendly. This is one reason the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has endorsed me in this primary.

You see, the Washington way, Braley's way, doesn't work - national unemployment today stands at 6.3 percent. But our way - the Iowa way - is working. As a result of our hard work and conservative approach, unemployment has dropped from over more than 6 percent down to its current 4.3 percent - seventh lowest in the nation.

I am so proud to have earned the support of a full spectrum of conservatives from former Gov. Mitt Romney and Iowa Lt. Governor Reynolds to former Gov. Sarah Palin, Michael Reagan and Sen. Marco Rubio, dozens of former current and former Iowa elected officials, as well as our 99-county grass roots leadership team. But what I need most is your support.

I respectfully ask for your support on Tuesday to allow me to continue serving you - this time, in the U.S. Senate.

' Joni Ernst of Red Oak is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. Comments: info@joniforiowa.com