CARTERET - Dale Caldwell has been a political candidate for all of two days, but already has an opinion about it.

"I love it," he said Saturday afternoon above the pulsating beat of the "most popular Latin fest" in New Jersey at the borough's civic center park.

Caldwell, the just-named Democratic lieutenant governor candidate, and Mikie Sherrill were campaigning together for the first time. And that found them in this Middlesex County town at a festival headlined, according to promotional material, by Dominican merengue star Mala Fe.

Besides music, there was an assortment of food and drink, including beer, sangria and margaritas.

When Sherrill and Caldwell arrived, they were quickly surrounded by an array of local Democratic officials, which is par for the course. No time to eat or drink.

After the requisite picture taking, the candidates made the rounds, strolling around the field.

It was a supportive crowd.

"She takes no nonsense," one woman said of Sherrill. "She's not afraid of Trump."

Confronting Donald Trump is a big part of Sherrill's campaign.
Frank McCoy of Elizabeth said he asked Sherrill for a ride in her helicopter. She was, of course, a Navy pilot, which is something few people can forget.

Other than that, what does he like about Sherrill?

"She's very personable," McCoy said.

Another woman said she voted for Sherrill - presumably in the primary. One of those accompanying Sherrill quickly told the woman she needed to do that again this fall.

As is customary at just about any public event, some people didn't know who Sherrill was. Surprisingly, everyone does not pay attention to politics on a daily basis.

From a broader perspective, the Latino vote last fall across the nation was much more favorable to Trump than it had been previously. So it is important for Sherrill to do all she can to keep a majority of Latino voters in the Democratic fold. That could explain Saturday's visit.

Republican Jack Ciattarelli also picked his LG candidate this week - Jim Gannon, the sheriff of Morris County.

Sherrill has had a good working relationship with Gannon; most of the county is in her congressional district. Still, she avoided any direct comment on Gannon, who is now a political rival.

Asked about the Morris sheriff, Sherrill said she'd rather talk about her running-mate. And she did, mentioning how Caldwell has worked across the state in community development and education, He is the president of Centenary University in Hackettstown.

Daniel Reiman is the borough's long-time mayor.

After Sherrill and her entourage left and things calmed down, Reiman said he's confident Sherrill will win.

He said Ciattarelli is a good man, but that his embracing of Trump will doom his campaign.

Trump endorsed Ciattarelli in the primary.
Reiman said Ciattarelli probably would have won the primary without the president's imprimatur.

But now he's stuck with it.