Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst is calling on women to take a stand against Donald Trump’s behavior.
Ernst has not endorsed any presidential candidate and Iowa’s caucuses have already past, but the delegate selection process is not complete in her state. Her words could shape Hawkeye State Republicans’ actions.
In an interview with WHO in Iowa, Ernst, an Iraq War veteran, said she was “disappointed” in the insult-laden nature of the Republican race.
“I would encourage women to stand up and say, ‘You know what, I’m not going to put up with his nonsense, but I do agree with him on this policy,'” Ernst told WHO. “Sometimes we have to look beyond certain aspects of a person and figure out do we agree. And there are some big aspects. And he may not be able to overcome some of those aspects.”
The freshman Iowa senator with Tea Party support urged Trump — if he becomes the nominee — to pursue diplomacy in order to resolve conflicts around the world. She also said the discord within the Republican Party is causing problems for all GOP officials regardless of whether they’re pursuing reelection.
The senator chose not to make any prediction about the outcome of a contested convention, but noted that it would be hard to get “buy-in” for someone who has not run for president. More than a dozen Iowan delegates who will be charged with making such a decision will be selected next month.
