Ernst the lawmaker is a welcome shift

Frankly, we had our doubts. Following a 'squealing” U.S. Senate campaign that was remarkable even in today's political landscape for its sarcasm, red herrings and open avoidance of the press, we feared that newly elected U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst would enhance, not defuse, the partisan posturing and gridlock plaguing federal politics.

This week, however, when Ernst met with members of our editorial board for the first time since taking office, the Red Oak Republican was sincere and forthcoming in our discussion of current issues from bird flu to Islamic State. We were pleased to hear details of her efforts to seek common ground, such as her work with second-term Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., to address sexual assault in the military.

The senators' agreement to join forces on aspects of the issue that they agree about even while they work individually on the areas where their opinions diverge is a model more of our elected officials should follow.

As befitted a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry - not to mention the leader of the subcommittee on jobs, rural economic growth and energy innovation - she spoke at length on the devastating impact of bird flu on Iowa's egg and poultry producers, the potential for another outbreak and lessons learned - for instance, the disconnect between the realities of the disease and the red tape involved with applying for federal indemnity funds.

In our conversation, Ernst's explanation of her efforts to remove outdated and conflicting federal regulations from the books was persuasive.

She was decisive in her support for sentencing reforms that would divert non-violent offenders from prison, and for a federal role in tackling tough social problems of mental health and substance abuse. More than once, she noted where her personal views might diverge from 'more conservative members” of the Republican Party, and her willingness to reach out and persuade colleagues to her side. Rarely did she try to point fingers, although we did wonder if she occasionally drew lines that were too thick between her role and those of others' in Washington.

On the subject of bird flu, for instance, we asked if spending needed to be increased or if other changes were warranted to prepare for another outbreak. Even while noting that one out of every five eggs consumed by Americans originated in Iowa and the need for government to protect the nation's food supply, Ernst said the USDA, not Congress, needed to initiate such conversations. She offered a similar response when asked about domestic recruitment by Islamic radicals, saying the White House should propose how to deal with the threat.

We acknowledge that Iowans, so accustomed to the clout afforded by two long-serving U.S. senators, may have unreasonable expectations of what a first-term lawmaker is able to accomplish. Even so, we encourage Ernst to push harder, to keep building and earning her reputation as a legislator of substance.

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