ASHE SCHOW: Joni Ernst could emerge as a Republican star after her State of the Union response.

Ernst said she was “truly honored” to be selected to deliver the Republican address and added that she will work to grow the economy and protect the military.

This could mean big things for Ernst in the future. Many of the past GOP responders have been speculated as presidential nominees, including Sen. Marco Rubio (2013 responder), former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (2012), Rep. Paul Ryan (2011) and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (2009).

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., who gave the response in 2014, is in the no. 4 leadership position in the House of Representatives as chair of the House Republican Conference.

Well, Luke “Nepotism” Russert was already dissing her as a former pig farmer yesterday, so the Dems are clearly worried.