(Ankeny, IA) Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Joni Ernst, Republican Iowa 3rd Congressional District candidate David Young, Republican National Committee Chair Reince Priebus, State Auditor Mary Mosiman, and members of the Ankeny Legislative delegation were present for a joint campaign event held at AgriVision in Ankeny, IA yesterday.
State Representative Kevin Koester (R-Ankeny) kicked off the elected officials’ remarks. He introduced State Representative John Landon (R-Ankeny) and State Senator Jack Whitver (R-Ankeny) to the approximately 75 people that had croweded into the AgriVision office.
Koester introduced Lt. Governor Reynolds who reminded those in attendance about the Branstad-Reynolds business development efforts. She then introduced Governor Branstad.
Governor Branstad highlighted some of those same efforts and then plugged State Senator Joni Ernst’s campaign for U.S. Senate.
State Senator Joni Ernst touted Iowa values over Washington, DC values. Looking at Branstad and Reynolds she stated, “we have shown that our Iowa way is the best way.”
Ernst also touted early voting that started yesterday. Ernst encouraged Republicans to include their friends and family when discussing early voting. “Vote early, but don’t vote often,” Ernst joked. Ernst launched her 99 county tour on Sunday following the footsteps of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, Branstad and Reynolds.
Ernst took time to specifically discuss the threat of ISIS. Ernst who serves as a battalion commander in the Iowa Army National Guard said, “I have worn the boots that we have put on the ground, and have worn those boots in Iraq. Our men and women are our greatest asset. This is a significant issue not only to that region, but as a global threat. We need to address it. I’m glad the President has stepped up and has started strikes, but where has my opponent been on this issue? You have not heard him talk about ISIS until recently in recent weeks. We need leadership in our federal government. We need someone who is willing to step up and take on these hard problems.”
She said Americans can’t pretend a threat doesn’t exist.
Republican National Committee Chair Reince Priebus told those in attendance that Ernst is authentic and genuine – the type of U.S. Senator that Americans are hungry for.
David Young spoke about his race in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District against Staci Appel. He drew a contrast between himself and her. He said he was for a balanced budget amendment, Appel was not. He was in favor of withholding passports of Americans who are known terrorists, Appel did not favor that position.
State Auditor Mary Mosiman concluded the event reminding those present that she was the only CPA in the race.