GOP senator had ‘good conversation’ with Trump

by TheHill.com - 07/04/16 4:02 PM ET

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said Monday that she had a “good conversation” with presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

“We discussed what I am hearing from Iowans as I travel around the state,” Ernst said in a statement. “I will continue to share my insights with Donald about the need to strengthen our economy, keep our nation safe, and ensure America is always a strong, stabilizing force.”

{mosads}Her comments come after Trump said earlier Monday that the two would meet in New Jersey, adding that Ernst “has done a great job as Senator of Iowa!”

Ernst added that she is “frustrated with the current direction of our country—and we simply cannot afford to continue these failed policies under Hillary Clinton.”

An unidentified senior Trump adviser told CNN that Ernst, a GOP up-and-comer who joined the Senate in 2015, is on the businessman’s list for the No. 2 spot. But, the source noted, it’s unclear if she is interested in the job “as opposed to others who have said, ‘Thanks, let’s play ball.'”

Trump’s comments earlier were part of a string of tweets that fueled speculation about whom he would ultimately choose as his running mate.

In addition to Ernst, Trump also praised Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, a Republican he met with over the weekend.

The brash businessman has suggested he wants a VP pick who would be comfortable with congressional procedure, raising questions about whether he would select a current lawmaker.

But The Washington Post reported late last month that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Speaker Newt Gingrich currently top Trump’s list of potential running mates.

Trump is scheduled to meet with the entire Senate Republican Conference on Thursday.