Iowa Senator Joni Ernst told a reporter for the Washington, D.C. publication “Politico” that she can provide the best “assistance” to Donald Trump as a senator rather than as his running mate. Ernst spoke briefly with Radio Iowa early Wednesday afternoon, saying she was “very impressed” with Trump after meeting privately with him Sunday.

When asked directly if she could envision being Trump’s vice president, Ernst said “any number of Republicans” could fulfill that role. “That’s entirely his decision and he will most certainly pick the right person for his ticket and I look forward to supporting that ticket,” Ernst said. Ernst told the Politico reporter she is just getting started in the U.S. Senate and expects to be an “advocate” for Trump on the campaign trail.

The New York Times is reporting the Trump campaign will give Ernst a prime-time speaking slot at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland later this month.

(Radio Iowa)