Joni Ernst is downplaying talk that she might be her party’s next vice presidential nominee. During a conference call with Iowa reporters Thursday morning, Ernst was asked if she would “entertain” the V-P spot on the G-O-P’s 2016 ticket. “The next ticket I anticipate running on will be the 2020 election for United States Senate again in Iowa,” Ernst said. “I very much enjoy serving Iowans and I’m going to put their priorities first.”

Ernst was elected last November and took the oath of office about seven months ago. She laughs off the kind of praise that has spawned talk of her moving up the political ladder. “Well, thank you. Did my mother pay you to say that?” Ernst asked, laughing.

Ernst hosted an event a month ago in Boone that drew seven of the G-O-P presidential candidates, but she does not plan to endorse a candidate before Iowa’s Caucuses.

(Radio Iowa)