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)

Iowa Republican Joni Ernst, the only female combat veteran serving in the U.S. Senate, predicts the senate will easily confirm President Obama’s choice to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a key military advisor to the president. General Joseph Dunford Thursday before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Ernst is a member of that panel.

“He has been a service chief for a number of years. I have met with him on many occasions,” Ernst says. “We have discussed action all around the globe including what we see going on in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, of course the tension between Russia and Ukraine.” General Dunford, a Marine who is the son of a Marine, earned the nickname “Fightin’ Joe” from his troops after he jumped into a fire fight in Iraq.

“I think he’s going to do a fine job. I think he’s going to have a unanimous confirmation in the senate,” Ernst says. “I admire him greatly and respect his service.” The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the highest ranking officer in the U.S. military and a direct advisor to the president. The chairman meets with leaders of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and National Guard to craft U.S. military strategy.

(Radio Iowa)

The driver of a vehicle involved in a collision at around Noon Thursday in Red Oak, reportedly complained of pain and was possibly injured, but did not request transport to the hospital. According to Red Oak Police, the accident happened at the intersection of N. 2nd and E. Coolbaugh Streets, when 65-year old Bonnie Husa, of Stanton, stopped her vehicle, but then proceeded into the intersection and struck a car driven by 85-year old Henry Elliott, of Red Oak. Elliott complained of pain afterward, but both drivers refused medical treatment.

Husa received a written warning for Failure to Obey a Stop Sign. Damage from the crash amounted to $10,000. Red Oak Police were assisted at the scene by the Red Oak Fire Department.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa lawmaker says he doesn’t regret telling a science teacher to “quit whining” in an email exchange over the state’s public education funding. Republican Senator David Johnson of Ocheyeden tells the Sioux City Journal that his initial response to Vaughn Gross, a teacher at Waterloo West High School, was fueled by the lawmaker being “fooled” when responding to other messages sent on social media.

OSAGE, Iowa (AP) — Police say an Iowa man has been arrested after leading authorities on a car chase into Minnesota that reached speeds of up to 130 miles per hour The Osage Police Department says 24-year-old Brandon Anderson of St. Ansgar was arrested after he failed to follow instructions for a traffic stop Tuesday night in Mitchell County in northern Iowa. Anderson is accused of leading officers on a high-speed chase that went into Mower County in nearby Minnesota. Spike strips were deployed to stop his car.

BEDFORD, Iowa (AP) — A man arrested in May in connection with the death of his 3-year-old daughter in southwest Iowa has been charged with first-degree murder. The Taylor County Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that the charge was added against 25-year-old Charles Hall on July 2nd.

SILVIS, Illinois (AP) — Justin Thomas and Nicholas Thompson were tied for the lead at 8 under par in Thursday’s opening round of the John Deere Classic, while Jordan Spieth languished far behind. Thomas and Thompson each shot a 63 at the TPC Deere Run in Illinois.