In the aftermath of her primary win, most observers assumed that U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th) would choose a Black running mate as lieutenant governor, with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka a frequent suggestion. In fact, several were vetted and were even said to have turned the offer down.
Her eventual choice, Dale Caldwell, is no slouch. He’s a former regional head of the U.S. Tennis Association, deputy commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and is currently the president of Centenary University.
Now, the question is will he help draw the Black voters?
“He’s well-schooled. He comes from a family of civil rights, so he gets that,” said John Harmon, president of the New Jersey African American Chamber of Commerce. “He is definitely, unapologetically Black.”
Added the Rev. Charles Boyer, founder of Salvation and Social Justice. “I think [Caldwell’s selection] is a good sign. One, as a Black man, [Sherrill] has given a nod to a part of the constituency and a part of the political population that is often forgotten. Two, he’s a reverend, so I think she’s signifying a nod to the Black church and being a Black pastor.”
But Caldwell’s selection came as a surprise to some in the Democratic Party. He has no legislative experience, no real electoral experience. And anecdotally at least, some said he’s no Baraka when it comes to firing up voters.
“Where I’m still concerned, very concerned … it’s almost like [the Sherrill campaign] is playing Four Corners,” said Harmon. “It’s like they got some data somewhere that says they have a big lead in this race.
“I’m not feeling that on the street,” he said. “I hear a lot folks mentioning the other candidate, over and over, about him being present. And our Democratic candidate is coming up short on specifics.”
