Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) released the following statement regarding new information appearing to indicate that the Sherrill campaign was made aware of concerns involving then-Centenary University President and now-Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell. Apparently, a potential whistleblower from Centenary College contacted the Sherrill campaign with concerns about Caldwell. There was initial receptiveness to hear the whistleblower out, but then an abrupt termination of contact.

“The Caldwell situation is, and must, run its course. But this new, under-reported, revelation appears to be a separate potential scandal and raises troubling questions: What did Governor Sherrill, Lt. Governor Caldwell, and their staff know, when did they know it, what did they do about it? Lastly, was there an overt attempt to muzzle a potential whistleblower?

“This is a scandal within the scandal. If concerns about Caldwell’s conduct were brought to the Sherrill campaign before voters had the opportunity to judge him, and those concerns were ignored, ghosted, or blocked, that raises serious questions about the Governor’s vetting process and judgment. And, let’s face it, if it comes to that, it’s much easier to replace a candidate than a sitting Lt. Governor.

“If someone came forward with serious allegations about a potential running mate, that should have triggered scrutiny and a thorough investigation. Instead, we are learning that the person who raised those concerns was allegedly ghosted and blocked. Potentially even more offensive, and counter to the Governor’s rhetoric, the potential whistleblower was outed and had her identity widely divulged - including to Caldwell himself - despite a specific request to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. The then campaign staffer apparently responsible for all of this, Leslie Bockol, is now employed by the Department of State as… Lt. Governor Caldwell’s speechwriter. This begs several questions: who did Bockol speak with between the time of the initial contact with the whistleblower & when she ghosted, blocked & doxed her? Was Bockol rewarded with her current job because of her efforts to thwart the whistleblower? Was the whistleblower retaliated against as a result of Bockol betraying her trust and outing her? Will Governor Sherrill hold Bockol, and whoever above her instructed to ghost, block & dox the whistleblower, accountable? Lastly, what were the whistleblower’s accusations? Did they involve similar issues to the ones now being investigated? This is pretty outrageous stuff. It can’t be ignored.

“This must be part of the current investigation. Christopher Porrino should examine what the Sherrill campaign was told, who received the information, what was done with it, and whether anyone attempted to suppress, disregard, or conceal it.

“And if it is true that individuals associated with the Sherrill campaign exposed or ‘outed’ the person who came forward, that must be investigated as well. If anyone retaliated against, exposed or attempted to intimidate a potential victim or whistleblower for coming forward, they should be held accountable. Political connections cannot put anyone above accountability.

“This is ultimately about Governor Sherrill’s judgment. She chose Caldwell. She put him on the ticket. She brought him into her administration. If her campaign had information raising serious concerns and failed to act, New Jerseyans deserve to know why. If she was not told, they deserve to know who made that decision and why.

“Governor Sherrill promised transparency and accountability and said public officials must meet the highest standards. Just yesterday she said ‘anyone must know that they can come forward with a complaint and they will be safe from retaliation.’ Do we need to add ‘…except when we want to bury your allegations?’

“If these facts are accurate,” said O’Scanlon, “at least two people should be fired. Bockol, and whoever she spoke to between her initial communications with the whistleblower and when she abruptly ghosted, blocked, and divulged the whistleblower’s identity despite her specific request to remain confidential.

“Follow the facts. Investigate everyone involved. Hold accountable anyone whose misconduct is substantiated. New Jerseyans deserve nothing less.

“Otherwise, this may become known as the ‘ghost, block, dox’ administration — where transparency, accountability, and whistleblower protections only apply when they are politically convenient.”