Jennifer Jacobs

jejacobs@dmreg.com

Joni Ernst, who carries a concealed handgun and uses a gun theme in one of her campaign advertisements, has received the National Rifle Association's endorsement in Iowa's U.S. Senate race.

In a news release today, the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund said Ernst earned an "A" rating for her leadership on Second Amendment issues in the Iowa Senate. That rating is reserved for lawmakers who have supported NRA positions on key votes in elective office.

Earlier today, Ernst snagged the endorsement from a powerful national business group, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. And GOP rival Sam Clovis got the nod from religious conservative activist Bob Vander Plaats of the Family Leader.

"Ernst supported legislation on state pre-emption to ensure that Second Amendment rights are not violated by cities," the NRA news release says. "In addition, Ernst supported legislation expanding the right of self-defense. Ernst's commitment to gun rights, self-defense laws and our hunting heritage are clear in responses to the NRA-PVF Federal Candidate Questionnaire where she states her support for national right to carry reciprocity; opposition to an EPA ban on lead ammunition and components; and opposition to so-called 'universal' background checks that would criminalize the private transfer of a firearm between lifelong friends and many family members."

Ernst is locked in a five-way battle for the GOP nomination. The seat is open because Democratic U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin retires in January. The primary vote is in three weeks. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3.

Chris Cox, chairman of the NRA-PVF, said: "She is one great example of NRA moms all across this country fighting for our freedoms. She's the only candidate in this race with a proven record of defending our rights. I urge all NRA members, gun-owners and sportsmen in Iowa to vote for Joni Ernst in the June 3rd Republican primary."