Sen. Joni Ernst kicks off re-election at fundraiser

DES MOINES - First-term Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa plans to use her annual fundraiser as the kickoff to her 2020 re-election campaign.

Ernst's fifth annual 'Roast and Ride” fundraiser is scheduled for June 15 at the Central Iowa Expo in Boone, Ernst's campaign announced Monday.

Ernst, who will make an address at the event, is seeking re-election to a six-year-term after winning her first campaign for the Senate in 2014.

'Iowans sent me to the Senate to make ‘em squeal,” she said in a statement, referring to one of her 2014 campaign themes. 'From cutting wasteful spending to eliminating special perks for Washington insiders, we've been working to do exactly that. But our fight isn't over, and there's more work to be done.”

No Democrat has yet officially announced as a candidate in the race.

The Ernst campaign said the 'family-friendly” event again will feature a motorcycle ride from Des Moines to Boone. The event also features a fundraiser for a charity and a barbecue.

This year's ride will benefit Retrieving Freedom, which trains service dogs to assist veterans and children with autism.

Tickets are $20; children 12 and under free. They can be purchased at roastandride.com.