Ernst In NH: Iran Strike Is Smart Policy, Smart Politics

By Michael Graham, NH Journal

Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst told NHJournal she believes the decision to use military force against the Iranian regime is both smart policy and smart politics, predicting voters would “thank” the Trump administration for acting.

Ernst was in Concord on Thursday night speaking at a fundraiser for the Concord City GOP.

A 23-year veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve and the Iowa Army National Guard, Ernst was the first female combat veteran to serve in the U.S. Senate.

“People who have followed the dynamics in that region — the targeting of Americans both in that region and abroad — they understand what a historic opportunity this is to bring Iran to its knees,” Ernst said.

“This is the No. 1 state sponsor of terrorism, so to get rid of this scourge is pretty incredible.”

Asked about the GOP’s prospects in November, Ernst was optimistic.

“I think we’re looking really strong in the Senate, and I’m excited about that,” Ernst said. She’s not seeking reelection this year, but she’s confident that the likely GOP nominee, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, will hold the seat for her party.

“Iowa’s pretty much a done deal.”

Republicans who attended the Concord event were also optimistic about November, despite the history of poor performances in the midterms by the party that holds the White House.

“We’re definitely going to win the Senate race,” said Christine Peters, president of the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women.

But will President Donald Trump’s decision to attack Iran help or hurt Republicans on Election Day?

“A lot of people that I talk to are just not sure yet what to think. The events of the last week have changed the game. So it’s really hard for me to see until it settles out,” Peters said.

Ernst is more confident. Asked if Trump’s Iran policy could be a political negative for Republicans in November, or a decision voters will support, Ernst said, “The voters will be thankful America took this action.”

On Wednesday, Ernst and her fellow Republicans defeated an attempt by Senate Democrats to pass a War Powers resolution blocking the Trump administration’s use of military force against the Iranian regime. The same resolution failed in the House on Thursday.

All four members of the New Hampshire delegation voted for the War Powers resolution and against the U.S. military action.

Also on Thursday, New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte confirmed that airmen from the 157th Air Refueling Wing based at Pease Air National Guard Base in Newington have been deployed in support of Operation Epic Fury.

“Joe and I are praying for the members of our New Hampshire Air National Guard and all service members who are deployed as part of Operation Epic Fury,” Ayotte said. “Our Guardsmen and their families have our full support, and we are grateful for their service to our country.”

Ayotte also joined her fellow Republican governors in a letter urging Senate Democrats to stop blocking funding for the Department of Homeland Security as part of their fight with the Trump administration over immigration enforcement.

“We write to you as governors deeply concerned about public safety across the nation following the tragic mass shooting in Austin, Texas, which left three dead and 14 injured.

“This incident, currently under FBI investigation for potential terrorism links, highlights the urgent need for a fully funded Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As details about the shooter and possible extremist motives emerge, it is evident that delays in funding to DHS hinder counterterrorism, border security, and intelligence efforts,” the governors wrote.

“The safety and security of the American people should never be used as a political pawn.”

On Thursday, U.S. Reps. Maggie Goodlander and Chris Pappas both voted against the DHS funding bill that passed the House 221-209. Both Sens. Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen have also voted to block funding.

This story was originally published by the NH Journal, an online news publication dedicated to providing fair, unbiased reporting on, and analysis of, political news of interest to New Hampshire. For more stories from the NH Journal, visit NHJournal.com.