Joni Ernst supports Marco Rubio, but without endorsement

Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst made her support of Marco Rubio known Monday when she introduced the Florida senator at a rally in Des Moines. But she stopped short of a full endorsement, saying she will stay neutral in the Republican presidential primary.

Ernst introduced Rubio as a “good friend” who is “very near and dear to my heart” and highlighted their work together on national defense.

"I know he has the confidence necessary in a leader to contain or destroy ISIS," said Ernst, a veteran of the Iowa National Guard. "I watched him fight that fight."

Rubio said he “respects" Ernst's decision to stay neutral in the caucuses and went on to highlight how she “exemplifies” his vision for the Republican Party and a conservative movement.

To underline his point, Rubio told the crowd how Ernst, as a child, used bread bags to keep her shoes dry in the rain and snow, reiterating a story she shared last year while giving the GOP response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address.

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Rubio wants the GOP to be one of “upward mobility," which empowers people through free enterprise and limited government to improve their lives.

Like Ernst, many of Rubio’s congressional supporters have been elected in recent years, including U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado, U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem of South Dakota. All three have campaigned with him in Iowa.

“I think it’s very exciting that we have so many strong, conservative leaders of this generation,” Rubio said, adding “the party needs to turn the page — we can’t just keep electing the same people.”

Ernst has appeared with other Republican candidates here, most notably at her Roast & Ride summer fundraiser, when she extended an invitation to the entire field.

She also met up with Jeb Bush during the Iowa State Fair and attended an event in Bondurant with state Rep. Zach Nunn, in which Ben Carson was a guest of honor, her staff said.

Aides said Ernst does her best to accommodate requests from GOP presidential candidates, so long as it works for both their schedules.

However, both freshman senators have a history of supporting each other. Rubio endorsed Ernst during a heated senate primary race in 2014 — flying to Iowa to stump for her on the eve of the primary vote.

AT THE EVENT

SETTING: An event room at the Forte Banquet Center in Des Moines and at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

CROWD: More than 200 people in Des Moines and almost 200 in Ankeny.

REACTION: The crowd gave Marco Rubio and Joni Ernst, who introduced him in Des Moines, a standing ovation as they entered the room.

WHAT’S NEXT: Rubio will campaign Tuesday in Iowa, with stops in Pella, Oskaloosa, Marshalltown and West Des Moines.