Iowa’s senior U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley says his senate colleague Joni Ernst would bring a lot to the GOP ticket as Donald Trump’s running mate.
Ernst met with Trump in New Jersey on Monday, and afterwards said she and Trump had, "a good conversation."
Ernst is reportedly being considered for the number two spot on the GOP ticket.
Grassley says Ernst’s military and legislative experience, and her expertise as someone from a rural, agricultural state would be assets to the New York real estate mogul.
"She has shown herself in one-and-a-half years in the United States Senate to be an outstanding leader," says Grassley. "Especially considering the fact that she’s new to the Senate, she’s jumped right in and has made a big difference."
While Grassley was adamant Ernst would be a great VP pick, he was more circumspect on whether Iowa's junior U.S. senator would be wise to accept such an offer in light of Trump's polarizing image.
"How she can best serve her country would be her personal decision," says Grassley, a 40-year veteran of Congress. "I don't like to analyze things, I'm not a very good analyst. And that's what you're asking me to do, but that's about as far as I can go."
Other names Trump is reportedly considering include New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
