Ernst named to Freshman Power Rankings

Source: Des Moines Register

By Brianne Pfannenstiel

Rookie Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst is making a splash in D.C., earning herself a spot on National Journal's first-ever Freshman Power Rankings.

The publication recognized members of the 114th Congress who "are cited by their peers for achieving uncommon success in their first months on the Hill."

Ernst rose to prominence in November 2014 after defeating Democratic candidate Bruce Braley, a sitting member of Congress, by 8.5 percentage points. She also received high praise earlier this year after becoming the only first-year Republican senator in history to give the GOP response to a presidential State of the Union address.

Since then, the National Journal wrote, Ernst has largely focused on legislation over gaining further media attention.

"But after her impressive victory in Iowa last year, she is seen by Republican leaders and rank-and-file members alike as a senator to watch," the magazine wrote.

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