Iowa has been the recipient of much attention these past few months namely because of the current Senate race between Representative Bruce Braley and state senator Joni Ernst. The tightness of the race and the teetering, thin lead held by the Democrats in the Senate has made this election of crucial importance.

Having been a field organizer for a campaign in the past, I am sure Iowans are growing weary of the incessant phone calls and the bombardment of attack ads on television. These ending is the one thing everybody looks forward to the day after elections – no matter who wins.

With this rise in attack ads, it has become increasingly important for us voters to sort out good claims from bad claims. Both candidates are painting a picture of their opponent and themselves, but an alert voter knows when to accept something as substance instead of simple mudslinging.

The Braley campaign’s painting of Joni Ernst as a far-right radical is, despite what what a typical voter would think, something of substance. The Braley campaign is taking advantage of Ernst’s tea party-like stances and it is true that some may find this to be annoying or a simple dodge by the Representative. 

Here’s why it’s important that people put more weight behind Ernst’s radical comments. Her campaign has done a considerable job hedging and backtracking some of the things Joni Ernst has said, such as hinting at impeachment of President Obama and state nullification of federal law (an ode to that old Civil War passion, no doubt). It has become difficult to decipher where she stands on some issues. 

With elections right around the corner, it is important for her to appear moderate to win over the independents. But many of her statements suggest that once she has secured her place in the Senate, she will return to her radical stances. If that’s what voters want, then fine. But for voters who aren’t so keen, a refresher is always important. 

Many of the statements made by Ernst give the impression that either she doesn’t know what her position is on the given issue or she is completely out of touch with the issue. 

Regarding the state minimum wage of $7.25 in Iowa, Ernst has stated that she thinks $7.25 is “a greater starter wage for many high school students, those who are just getting into work experience.” But that doesn’t accurately reflect reality. The reality is that a majority of minimum wage earners are not teens but adults – approximately 69%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

She doesn’t think there should be a federal minimum wage, and that states should set their own minimum wages. This is somewhat reasonable – she backs her claim up with the fact that the standard of living is different in every state. Yet, as an economics major, I have some gripe with this position. The federal minimum wage establishes a necessary floor that states may not go under. So it ensures workers a reasonable wage – though, according to many economic reports, the federal minimum wage is no longer reasonable (hint: it should be higher). 

When pressed on the issue of climate change, Ernst has said “I don’t know the science behind climate change. I can’t say one way or another what is the direct impact, whether it’s man made or not.” That was a surprisingly honest statement made by Joni Ernst. But really, the science is in on climate change, and the information available regarding this issue isn’t difficult to comprehend – at least what must be done to combat climate change is not difficult to comprehend.

In a recent debate with Bruce Braley, Joni Ernst kept forcing the claim that Obamacare made cuts to Medicare benefits, but this is one of the biggest myths about the Affordable Care Act. Its also not clear if she understands which regulations are “job-killers” – she mentioned cap and trade, but cap and trade isn’t even federal law.

If we delve further, we see a much more radical fringe side Joni Ernst that would put her in the same league as Glenn Beck. I’ve mentioned before her hints at impeachment, state nullification and her dabbling in the conspiracy theory, Agenda 21.

The question then is, what would be a fair interpretation of these statements? Ernst’s campaign has backtracked on some of her more radical statements, but is this just to appeal to voters in the general election or is she genuinely backing off these positions?

Each voter will answer these questions differently when they are deciding their votes. For me, I don’t think Joni Ernst is the best choice for Iowans. She presents too much of a risk, and if her radical views check out… well we certainly don’t need another Tea Party obstructionist in Congress.