DALLAS COUNTY, Iowa — Republican Sen. Joni Ernst kicked off her seventh 99 County Tour in Warren County Monday, stopping first at the IdRamp in Indianola for demonstrations of the tech start-up's products.
The senator then traveled to Clarke County to meet with leadership and employees at the Alliant Energy Operations Center in Osceola.
Finally, Ernst toured the new Dallas County Sheriff's Office and Jail in Adel, which is located in Dallas County.
While there, Ernst, again, condemned the riot at the U.S. Capitol that happened last Wednesday.
"It was a horrifying experience and I am so angry at those that broke into the Capitol," Ernst said. "They entered illegally, they were threatening lawmakers and other personnel. It was absolute anarchy and it is inexcusable."
Ernst's views on the push to impeach the president align with her Republican colleagues.
"I don't think it's helpful at this point. We have just a little over a week until we transition to the Biden administration," Ernst said. "We want to make sure that it's a peaceful transition and we do want to make sure that then our nation can start to heal and I think if an impeachment is pushed at this point it's just going to further divide our nation."
Following the tour stops, Ernst issued a statement to Local 5 to further explain her reaction to the Capitol riot:
“The president did not display good leadership, and I do think he bears some responsibility for what happened. The responsibility also lies with the violent mob who stormed the Capitol, and they should be held accountable to the full extent of the law. It’s time everyone tone down the rhetoric, and we work to bring our nation together."