2014 Iowa Senate Debates: on Government Reform

Joni Ernst: Photo ID for voting

Ernst: Strongly Disagree

Doug Butzier: Make sure that votes are legal, & that people vote only once

A: Not sure what you mean by enforcement of voting rights, but if you wonder if I support making sure that each person that votes is legally entitled to vote and only votes once, I'm all for it.

Sam Clovis: Photo ID for voting

Clovis: Strongly Disagree

Bruce Braley: AdWatch: Opponent never made a peep about wasteful spending

Bruce Braley (D-IA), who's battling Republican state Sen. Joni Ernst for Iowa's open Senate seat, criticized his opponent's record in a new ad, showing a baby chick onscreen as the narrator says Ernst never made a "peep" about wasteful spending as a state lawmaker. "When Joni Ernst had the chance to do something in Iowa, we didn't hear a peep," the narrator explains as the chick onscreen chirps. "In the state Senate, Ernst never sponsored a bill to cut pork, never wrote one measure to slash spending."

While the ad never labels Ernst a "chick," or even mentions the word, Republicans were quick to pounce on what they saw as the spot's sexist undertones. Ernst's spokeswoman said the ad "degrades & insults Iowa women by comparing Joni Ernst to a 'chick.'"

Joni Ernst: AdWatch: I grew up castrating hogs; I know how to cut pork

Joni (in farm gear on a hog farm): "I'm Joni Ernst. I grew up castrating hogs on an Iowa farm, so when I get to Washington, I'll know how to cut pork."

(NARRATOR AND TEXT): "Joni Ernst. Mother. Soldier. Conservative."

Joni: "My parents taught us to live within our means. It's time to force Washington to do the same. To cut wasteful spending; repeal ObamaCare; and balance the budget. I'm Joni Ernst and I approve this message because Washington is full of big spenders; let's make 'em squeal!"

(Fade to black whiles hogs squeal).