What Sherrill had to say after reports of Dale Caldwell investigation

Gov. Mikie Sherrill has weighed in on the reports of an ongoing investigation into Lt. Gov Dale Caldwell, albeit obliquely, without mentioning the investigation or Caldwell by name. The governor said in a statement on Sept. 8 that 'public service is an honor' and that with experience in the Navy, as a prosecutor, in Congress and now as governor, she knows that 'jobs of public trust impact the lives of everyday people and I deeply respect the oaths and responsibilities of these positions.' 'Because of this respect, I demand that everyone in my administration hold themselves to the highest standards and put their obligations to public service first,' Sherrill said. 'I take my responsibility to treat any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously, and any credible report must be fully examined and addressed. If the evidence warrants, I will take appropriate action quickly.' She went on to say she has a 'vital responsibility to the safety and privacy of every person' and that while someone coming forward with a complaint will be safe from retaliation, the 'subject of a complaint' can be 'confident that their rights will be protected as well and they will receive a fair and thorough review.' This comes as some call for Caldwell to resign from his post. The chair of the state's Republican Party, Christine Giordano Hanlon, said in a statement that 'Caldwell is not only the Lieutenant Governor but is also our Secretary of State — the official charged with overseeing New Jersey's elections.' 'That office cannot function under these circumstances,' she said. 'For the good of the state, and out of respect for the women whose complaints prompted this investigation, Dale Caldwell must resign as Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State immediately.' Republican Majority Leader state Sen. Tony Bucco said in a statement that 'investigation has been underway for months' and has concerns about Caldwell serving as acting governor in Sherrill's absence. 'Governor Sherrill has repeatedly left the state while Caldwell, under a cloud of suspicion, remained in a position to govern more than 9.5 million New Jerseyans,' he said. 'Allowing Caldwell to serve as acting governor raises serious unanswered questions, including whether an acting governor under investigation could attempt to exercise the power of the pardon on his own behalf. While it is unclear if that could happen legally, New Jerseyans should not be put in a position where they have to ask that question.' Reports came out last week of an internal investigation into Caldwell for alleged inappropriate behavior with women and possible ethics violations that include the purported offer of state jobs. The New Jersey Globe reported that former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino was hired to conduct the investigation and interviews were already underway. Sean Higgins, a spokesperson for Gov. Mikie Sherrill, said in a statement last week that they 'cannot confirm or deny potential personnel matters." "The governor would take any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously and expects our public officials to hold themselves to the highest standards,' he said. In addition to serving as lieutenant governor, which means Caldwell is in charge of day-to-day state operations as acting governor when Sherrill is out of state, he is also secretary of state. Prior to his election Caldwell served as president of Centenary University and is a Methodist minister.