Iowa GOP Candidate Cites Experience 'Castrating Hogs' as Evidence She Can 'Cut Pork' in Bizarre Ad

A Republican Iowa candidate for U.S. Senate released a bizarre ad called "Squeal" Monday, citing her experience castrating hogs as evidence she will be able to cut spending in Washington, D.C.

[sharequote align="center"]"I grew up castrating hogs on an Iowa farm. So when I get to Washington, I'll know how to cut pork."[/sharequote]

"I'm Joni Ernst," the ad begins. "I grew up castrating hogs on an Iowa farm. So when I get to Washington, I'll know how to cut pork."

The ad then pans over an oinking pig and flashes a title slide showcasing Ernst as a "mother," "solider" and "conservative."

"Not only does she remove pig testicles, she smiles talking about it," Time magazine opined. "The gender politics behind the spot—Ernst would join only four other female Republicans in the Senate if she wins—are both bold and hilarious. In a city of broken down men, she tells voters, it will take a woman with a knife to fix things."

On Wednesday, former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin endorsed Ernst, appearing to play off the ad by saying the Iowa conservative and Iraq war veteran can help "cut through the pork."

"Growing up on a hog farm in Southwest Iowa, Joni has taken her 'pork cutting' skills to the Iowa State Senate where she has been a champion for life, small government, and lower taxes — voting for the largest tax cut in Iowa history," Palin wrote in a Facebook post endorsing her.

Earnst is facing off against several Repulbican candidates and will have an uphill battle to beat Democratic Rep. Bruce Braley, if nominated.

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