WHO: Sen. Joni Ernst Transitions from Ideas to Action

"Just a few months ago Joni Ernst became the first woman Iowan sent to Congress, now she's passed her first major milestone.. the Senator has served 100 days in office. John David shows us how she's tried to transition from ideas to action during that time. Senator Joni Ernst describes herself as a fresh face in Washington. "Oh, my goodness. thank you Iowa!" As the nation's first female veteran to serve, her first one hundred days transition from ideas to impact. "The biggest difference is actually being here and making an impact for Iowans, making sure that we're moving America in the right direction." Augustana College ethics professor Dan Lee says, like all newcomers, Ernst is finding her way in Washington. "In the U.S. Senate, newcomers are expected to bide their time and not move too fast." she's already plowing through a 99-county tour of Iowa. it's a chance to listen and learn about the issues. "We have an opportunity now to make a difference. We need to do that." What a whirlwind in less than a year. Emerging from the pack during a campaign stop in Davenport last may with Mitt Romney. to soldiering on with Senator John McCain in Wapello days before her November win. "There's excitement across Iowa. No matter where we go, It's standing room only." "For a freshman senator, the biggest obstacle is a familiar one here in Davenport or Washington, building consensus on controversial issues." "We look at the issues. We look at where our differences are, but then we strive to find where we can come together." She's poised for a high profile. Just the start after one hundred days in office. Other highlights during her first 100 days: Delivering the Republican Response to the State of the Union address and introducing legislation to provide faster VA care to veterans." (WHO-TV, 4/16/15)