Iowa Democrats are looking to capitalize on Iowa state Sen. Joni Ernst’s support for adding a Personhood amendment to the state Constitution.
On Monday, the Iowa Democratic Party released a new web ad hitting Ernst for sponsoring an amendment “to give Iowa one of the most restrictive laws in the country” on abortion.
The critique focuses on an exchange during the Iowa debate between Ernst and Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) where Braley accused Ernst of supporting legislation that “would have banned all forms of abortion, that would have prevented certain forms of contraception to women…” Ernst responded that “the amendment is simply a statement that I support life.”
The new ad said that “While in the State Senate, Joni Ernst sponsored a “personhood” amendment to give Iowa one of the most restrictive laws in the country. But now Ernst is trying to mislead you about about what her bill would have done.”
It’s the latest example of how Democrats are seeking to corner Republican candidates in key 2014 races for supporting strongly restrictive contraception and abortion measures. A number of Senate candidates, including Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO), North Carolina House Speaker Thom Tillis (R), and Republican Mike McFadden in Minnesota, have been attacked by Democrats for calling for easier access to over the counter contraception. Democrats have noted that some of these candidates (particularly Gardner) have made a virtual 180 degree switch from backing “Personhood” restrictions.
The TPM Polltracker average gives Ernst a 3.5 point lead over Braley.
Watch the ad below:
