Governor, accusations demand transparency
Allegations about Caldwell deserve clear, serous response
..... Here we go again.
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In Trenton, a rookie New Jersey governor finds herself confronting allegations that a subordinate acted inappropriately toward women.
..... Almost a decade ago, Phil Murphy;s first term was dogged by controversy after a rape accusation was leveled against on of his campaign staffers - and his team was accused of trying to suppress the story.
..... Now, Governor Mikie Sherrill is dealing with another protestation personnel nightmare - and questions about transparency - after the revelation of Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell is under investigation for alleged mistreatment of women and purported ethics violations.
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Details of the allegations are still murky, and Caldwell should be treated as innocent unless he is proved otherwise.
..... But voters also deserve as much information as can be responsibly given when a top public official is involved. On that front, Sherrill's administration has disappointed.
..... Report from multiple news organizations say the Caldwell investigation began at least two months ago. The New Jersey Globe, which broke the initial story on September 4, [2026]said allegations of improper behavior first reached a Democratic political operative last September, [2025] after Sherrill picked Caldwell as her lieutenant governor nominee.
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Sherrill, however, said nothing publicly about a probe until after the news surfaced on Labor Day weekend [09/05-06/2026] this year even as Caldwell filled in as acting governor several times while she was out of state. When she finally issued a statement on Tuesdays September 8, [2026] it neither named Caldwell nor specified any inquiry. Instead the governor acknowledged her "res\possibility to treat any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously," adding "if the evidence warrants, I will take appropriate action quickly."
..... Watergate brought us the "non-denial denial." Yo can call that the "non-confirmation confirmation."
..... The timing of the leak inevitably raises questions. Major stores disclosed through anonymous sources on the eve of a holiday weekend rightly generate suspicion that someone hoped to bury the story.
..... That its not to say the allegations are being ignored Sherril's office has reportedly retained an outside law firm to conduct the inquiry. It is being led by Christopher Perrino, a former state
attorney general under Governor Chris Christie. It is unclear how far along he is or what findings, if any will be disclosed to the public.
Echoes of Katie Brennan
..... Sherrill need not look far to see the consequences of mishandling such a sensitive case. Murphy's early ears in office were tangled up by news coverage and legislative hearings into the rape allegations brought by a former campaign volunteer, Katie Brennan, and how they were addressed by his inner circulate. State taxpayers and the Murphy campaign eventually paid $1 million to settle a lawsuit brought by Brennan, who is now a state assemblywoman. (Most of the money went to a nonprofit that aids survivors of sexual assault.)
..... Sherrill needs to be as transparent as possible to avoid a similar distraction.
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New Jersey Republicans have already called for Caldwell's resignation. That is premature before more facts are known - and frankly, ridiculous, given the GOP's silence amid accusations of sexual abuse by President Donald Trump.
..... Caldwell deserves due process. any accusers deserve a full investigation.
..... And voters deserve to know about it in a timely manner. Sherrill can do better on that mark.