Lawmakers weigh in on Sherrill’s search for lieutenant governor

As Gov. Mikie Sherrill weighs her choice for lieutenant governor, Democratic lawmakers say government experience could be valuable — but serving in the Legislature should not necessarily give a contender an advantage.

The New Jersey Globe reported earlier this week that Sherrill has narrowed her search to a short list that includes Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Trenton), Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema (D-Newark), former Associate White House Counsel Justin Dews, and entrepreneurs Randal Pinkett and Squire Servance.

Assemblywoman Carol Murphy (D-Mount Laurel) said she favors someone with government experience who can work closely with Sherrill and understands the Legislature’s role in advancing an administration’s agenda.

“I’m always partial to having someone who knows government and how it works and making sure that they can know that the legislature is here to help, not to hinder”

But Murphy said Sherrill has qualified options both inside and outside the Legislature.

“There are people who are not in the legislature who are great candidates”

Murphy said the overriding consideration should be finding someone who works well with Sherrill.

“The best candidate will be someone who complements the governor and the state of New Jersey,” Murphy said.

She said none of the potential candidates whose names have surfaced appeared unable to fill that role.

“From the names I saw, I didn’t think there was anyone who wouldn’t be able to do that”

State Sen. Gordon Johnson (D-Englewood) placed less emphasis on government experience, saying Sherrill should choose the strongest candidate regardless of their background.

“I think the governor and her staff should pick the person best qualified to serve the people of New Jersey” he said.

“Could be legislative, could be executive, could be someone from outside of government; it’s their job to pick the best person for the job” he said.

Johnson said legislative experience should not provide an inherent advantage in Sherrill’s selection process.

“Being in the legislature, I don’t think it gives you an upper hand in this; I think it’s about the person who is best suited for the position.”