Joni Ernst presents the GOP case for governance
Washington Examiner: The Republican Party toned down partisan rhetoric in its official response to the President Obama’s State of the Union speech Tuesday night, focusing on the party’s plans and ideals instead of directly responding to the administration’s agenda. Newly elected Sen. Joni Ernst, a no-nonsense conservative from Iowa who delivered the rebuttal, portrayed a compassionate GOP that understands — and will address — the concerns, anxieties and pains of average Americans. “Rather than respond to a speech, I’d like to talk about your priorities,” Ernst said. “I’d like to have a conversation about the new Republican Congress you just elected, and how we plan to make Washington focus on your concerns again. “We heard the message you sent in November — loud and clear. And now we’re getting to work to change the direction Washington has been taking our country.” Ernst touched on potential areas of bipartisanship, saying there’s a lot Congress can achieve “if we work together,” s...