DES MOINES, Iowa – All 32 Iowa Senate Republicans sent a letter to a former colleague, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, affirming her support of Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The nomination and confirmation hearing has been a contentious issue in Iowa’s U.S. Senate race.
State Senator Jake Chapman, R-Adel, explained to Caffeinated Thoughts why they sent the letter.
“We know that this vote will be one of the most significant votes that Senator Ernst will take and that the political attacks on her will continue. We felt it was important to let her know that Iowans support her and that we’re proud of her for representing us in Washington,” he said.
The letter reads:
“As members of the Iowa State Senate, and as Republican lawmakers committed to constitutional originalism and the rule of law, we commend you for your support of the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett.
“Recognizing your critical role on the Senate Judiciary Committee, we want you to know we wholeheartedly support you. We think an independent-minded, sterling female justice, who has a record of mentoring women and writing opinions steeped in originalist intent is worthy of the Supreme Court vacancy. We will join the grassroots chorus in defending your vote in support of her nomination in the Judiciary Committee and on the United States Senate Floor.
“We also know that election year appointments to the United States Supreme Court are common. On twenty-nine different occasions in American history, there has been an open Supreme Court vacancy in a presidential election year or in a lame-duck session of Congress before a presidential inauguration. In all twenty nine of those circumstances, the President put forward a Supreme Court nomination. When the Senate has been controlled by the same party as the occupant of the White House, these nominations have been successful in all but two instances.
“We know you will be under intense political attacks from the left as you undertake this important process but know we speak for all our constituents when we say we are all proud to call you our Senator. We look forward to working with you for many years to come in serving the great State of Iowa.