ERIN MURPHY Lee-Gazette Des Moines Bureau

DES MOINES — Joni Ernst began the process of saying goodbye to Iowa as a U.S. senator while indicating she will endorse a colleague who hopes to succeed her.

Ernst, who earlier this year announced that she will not seek re-election, said her annual Roast and Ride fundraiser Saturday at the Iowa State Fairgrounds was her last. Her remarks during the event were full of thank yous to Iowans and people who have supported her.

After the event, Ernst indicated to reporters that she will endorse eastern Iowa U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who announced her campaign for the U.S. Senate immediately after Ernst announced she will not run for another term.

Hinson and former state lawmaker Jim Carlin are campaigning for the Republican Party’s nomination for the

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