Two county Republican central committees have reprimanded Sen. Joni Ernst over her low Heritage Action score and hesitancy to support some of Donald Trump’s nominees. Could the Warren County GOP be next to issue a statement against Ernst? We spoke to county party leadership about this matter.
The party leadership of Buchanan and Monona counties have issued statements criticizing Joni Ernst over mounting concerns that the Iowa Republican is not living up to the conservative ideals that she was elected to promote and defend.
Heritage Action, an advocacy organization associated with The Heritage Foundation, issued its scorecard for elected officials. They gave Sen. Ernst a 42% score for this session. For reference, the average Senate Republican receives a 62% score. Self-proclaimed socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders received a 46% score this session.
Additionally, Joni Ernst, who touts her experience as a combat veteran, has appeared reluctant to support Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth. The media has attempted to portray Hegseth as anti-woman. He once signaled his support for the historic policy of limiting combat roles in the U.S. military to men and has been accused of sexual assault. Ernst, who boasts being the Senate’s first female combat veteran, is described by some as “key hurdle” to Hegseth’s confirmation
Furthermore, back in 2023, 17 county GOP central committees, including Warren County, formally condemned Joni Ernst for her vote in support of the so-called Respect for Marriage Act.
Will Warren County Republicans join those in Buchanan and Monona in formally reprimanding Joni Ernst?
In reference to this issue, Steve Kirby, chairman of the Warren County Republican Central Committee, said, “We haven’t discussed it but it can certainly be brought up at our January meeting.”
The ongoing situation highlights the role that county parties can play in holding state and national officials accountable, especially within their own party. As some begin to call for Joni Ernst to be primaried, Warren County Republicans will decide if they believe Senator Ernst is the best champion of their values in Washington.
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