Trump Compliments Possible VP Pick Joni Ernst After Private Sit-Down

U.S. Sen. John McCain, left,and Iowa Republican senatorial candidate Joni Ernst speak to a packed cafe about veterans and voter turn out during a campaign stop, Wednesday Oct. 29, 2014, at Ivy Bake Shoppe & CafÈ in... U.S. Sen. John McCain, left,and Iowa Republican senatorial candidate Joni Ernst speak to a packed cafe about veterans and voter turn out during a campaign stop, Wednesday Oct. 29, 2014, at Ivy Bake Shoppe & CafÈ in West Burlington, Iowa. Ernst, a state lawmaker and lieutenant colonel in the Iowa National Guard, is locked in a tight race against Democrat Bruce Braley, a four-term congressman. (AP Photo/The Hawk Eye, Michael Noble Jr.) MORE LESS
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Donald Trump had some kind words for Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), a potential vice-presidential pick, after holding a private meeting with her on July 4.

Praising the “fantastic job” she has done in the Senate, Trump promised he “will see her again” in a tweet on Tuesday morning.

The Trump campaign reportedly began vetting the freshman Iowa senator a few days ago, as an anonymous individual briefed on the process told The New York Times.

Though his staff declined to comment on the sit-down, which was held at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, Ernst issued a statement saying the two planned to keep in close touch.

“I had a good conversation with Donald Trump today, and we discussed what I am hearing from Iowans as I travel around the state on my 99-county tour, and the best path forward for our country,” she said in the statement, which was sent to the Times.

“I will continue to share my insights with Donald about the need to strengthen our economy, keep our nation safe and ensure America is always a strong, stabilizing force around the globe,” she added.

According to the Times’ source, Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort and Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus also attended the meeting.

As an Iraq war veteran and woman, Ernst could bolster Trump’s support among female voters and those concerned over his lack of foreign policy experience. Elected in 2014, Ernst quickly emerged as a rising star in the GOP and was chosen to give the Republican response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address in 2015. She has expressed support for a number of controversial stances, including allowing states to nullify federal laws with which they disagree and arresting federal officials over Obamacare.

Trump has floated several other prominent Republicans as possible running mates. He said he was “very impressed” after meeting with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R), another potential vice-presidential pick, over the weekend, and is holding his first campaign event with Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) on Tuesday.

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