Trump praises ‘fantastic’ Ernst amid VP chatter

Donald Trump on Tuesday heaped praise on Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) amid speculation she may join the GOP ticket.

Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, tweeted that it was “great spending time” with Ernst a day earlier and said she “has done a fantastic job for the people of Iowa and the U.S.”

It was great spending time with @joniernst yesterday. She has done a fantastic job for the people of Iowa and U.S. Will see her again!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2016

{mosads}Trump on Monday met Ernst in New Jersey, fueling talk that Trump is considering her as a running mate.

Ernst said she had a “good conversation” with the businessman.

“We discussed what I am hearing from Iowans as I travel around the state,” she said in a statement. 

“I will continue to share my insights with Donald about the need to strengthen our economy, keep our nation safe and ensure America is always a strong, stabilizing force.”

Ernst added she is “frustrated with the current direction of our country — and we simply cannot afford to continue these failed policies under Hillary Clinton.”

Trump also met in recent days with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence — another Republican thought to potentially be on Trump’s VP shortlist.

A report last week said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich ranked the highest on Trump’s shortlist, with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie close behind.

The report said Sens. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) were also high up on the list, with longer-shot options including Ernst, Pence, and Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and John Thune (R-S.D.).