David M Jackson

USA TODAY

Donald Trump spent part of Monday's holiday with a potential running mate: Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa.

Ernst, a first-term senator, did not exactly dampen vice presidential speculation afterward, saying she and Trump had a "good conversation," and that she plans to continue to "share my insights" with the presumptive Republican presidential nominee about the challenges facing the nation.

"Iowans are frustrated by the current direction of our country," Ernst said in a statement. "And we simply cannot afford to continue these failed policies under Hillary Clinton."

Trump had publicized the meeting earlier in the day, tweeting that "I look forward to meeting @joniernst today in New Jersey. She has done a great job as Senator of Iowa!"

Trump also took to social media to praise two other lawmakers reported to be on his VP shortlist, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton.

Trump, who met with Pence over the weekend, said he was "very impressed" with the Indiana governor and his family.

Cotton "was great on Meet the Press yesterday," Trump said in a separate tweet. "Despite a totally one-sided interview by Chuck Todd, the end result was solid!"

Trump's short list also reportedly includes former House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, and Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama.

Ernst told the Des Moines Register last month she had not been contacted by the Trump campaign, and did not expect to be.

If she was being considered, she said at that time, "somebody, I think, would have reached out to me. Nobody has reached out.”

Ernst — the only female known to be on Trump's reported short list — is the first woman ever elected to Congress from Iowa and the first female combat veteran ever to serve in the Senate.

Largely unknown two years ago, Ernst broke through a crowded 2014 GOP primary field to win the nomination for Senate with a campaign ad in which she said her rural roots and experiences castrating hogs would serve as training for how she would cut pork in Washington. She also had the backing of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, who is now a Trump ally.

Ernst went on to beat four-term Democratic Rep. Bruce Braley for the Senate seat previously held for decades by liberal hero Tom Harkin.

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