Gov. Mikie Sherrill is still refusing to offer specifics about the ongoing investigation into the conduct of her Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell. Caldwell who also holds the post of secretary of state is under scrutiny following alleged complaints of inappropriate behavior with women and ethics violations.
So far, Gov. Sherrill has neither defended nor implicated Dale Caldwell while waiting for answers from an internal investigation into the matter. When questioned at an event in Orange on Thursday, Sherrill said she wants to be fair to all parties and transparent with public.
"I’m not going to talk about an ongoing investigation, but what I will say is, it’s incredibly important to me that the people of New Jersey know if anyone comes forward with a complaint that we need to look into we’ll do that, if anyone has a complaint lodged against them they will get a full and fair review and we’ll run a transparent and accountable government," said Gov. Sherrill.
When questioned further Gov. Sherrill said, "I take my role as governor incredibly seriously, I’ve ben a public servant most of my life. I regard jobs in public service and elected positions as holding the public trust.”
Meanwhile, some state Republicans, including state Sen. Declan O'Scanlon, of Monmouth County, are calling for legislative hearings into the matter with subpoena power.
“If this were an investigation at the federal level of the Vice President, perhaps the loudest voice in the country might be Gov. Mikie Sherrill saying BS, you need to share more information with us we have a right to know," said Sen. O'Scanlon.
Sen. O'Scanlon says Caldwell has been acting like someone who is innocent of the allegations.
If so, O'Scanlon says, "If he is innocent then the Sherril has handled this horrifically, leaving the guy hanging out to dry for months and then not issuing some even muted support of him when this broke."
O’Scanlon suggests Caldwell step aside from day to day duties until this investigation is resolved.
Lt. Gov. Caldwell has not spoken out publicly.