Kean, Bennett call for full investigation into Caldwell allegations

The two candidates in the nationally watched congressional race in New Jersey’s 7th District are calling for a full investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women and possible ethics violations involving Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell.

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) and Democratic challenger Bennett each said Caldwell’s conduct should be investigated and that anyone found responsible should be held accountable.

“New Jersey has seen far too much dishonesty in government, and there can be no tolerance for concealing wrongdoing, shielding powerful officials, or mistreating people who come forward – even if it involves our Governor and Lieutenant Governor,” said Kean.  “Sherrill and her administration need to immediately be more transparent and act swiftly to hold people appropriately accountable — even if that means resignations.”

Bennett said the allegations were serious and called for an investigation.

“The allegations against Lieutenant Governor Caldwell are extremely concerning. I support a full investigation because New Jerseyans deserve to have trust in their elected officials,” she said.  “Anyone engaging in inappropriate conduct must be held accountable.”

The controversy has renewed attention to how Sherrill and Kean responded to allegations of sexual misconduct during the 2017 gubernatorial campaign, and its handling later by the administration of Gov. Phil Murphy.

In October 2018, Sherrill, then a first-time congressional candidate and former federal prosecutor, urged Murphy to launch an independent investigation — rather than an internal review — into allegations of sexual assault. She did not call for a legislative probe.

“I am deeply troubled to hear these allegations. We can’t allow our society to silence the voices of the victims of sexual harassment and abuse,” Sherrill said at the time. “We need an independent investigation to get to the truth of this matter, and in clear terms to state that sexual misconduct will never be tolerated.”

Kean, who was then the minority leader of the New Jersey Senate, was among the first lawmakers to call for a legislative investigation.

“The Senate is taking the right step in forming a select committee to investigate government hiring practices, review the handling of the allegations … and examine how our criminal justice system handles cases like hers,” Kean said in 2018. “I sincerely hope our colleagues in the General Assembly will demonstrate their understanding of the importance of this effort and make this a joint effort by the full Legislature.”