Recently a branch of the National Archives released a mostly unredacted version of Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s military records to an ally of Sherrill’s duopoly rival Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Jack Ciattarelli. Among these records were Sherrill’s personal files, which mentioned how Sherrill was denied the ability to walk for her Naval Academy graduation because she did not disclose the names of those 100 midshipmen who were implicated in a cheating scandal. Rep. Sherrill was herself never accused of cheating and, by all accounts, served honorably during her time in the service. This is safeguarded information that is protected by the 1974 Privacy Act. Since the leak, these documents are being weaponized against her and her campaign.
We of the New Jersey Libertarian Party denounce dirty politics in all its forms. Regardless of the target or the intention, it is wrong to weaponize personal data. All individuals have a right to privacy, whether we agree with them or not. While it is true that candidates and public officials have an obligation to be transparent with the people they represent, the idea that a person’s private data can be released without any oversight is wrong. Further, we support House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ call for an investigation. We hope that the guilty party(s) are found and that Rep. Sherrill is able to seek the justice she deserves.
Let it be clear that the New Jersey Libertarian Party does not support or endorse Rep. Sherrill in her Gubernatorial bid, nor do we approve of her policies. Her promised Energy State of Emergency will cause energy supply shortages and make New Jersey even less hospitable for businesses and her planned transportation and infrastructure investments will just add to New Jersey’s already crippling tax burden. Additionally, we have not forgotten that Rep. Sherrill was fined in 2022 for failing to disclose necessary stock trades. However, regardless of her mistaken policies and previous Congressional indiscretions that does not mean that we condone what has happened here.
Libertarians believe in a fair world wherein people succeed or fail based upon their character, ability and labors. Be it in free markets or democratic races we believe “winning” and “losing” ought to be determined by the value offered rather than through underhanded tactics and illegal acts. We intend to run a clean race this year, as we always do. We ask the good people of New Jersey to reject these kinds of dirty tricks. Also, if it is determined that Jack Ciattarelli, his supporters or anyone else within the Republican Party were involved we call for an investigation into them as well.
On a final note, we would like to address the duopoly candidates. To Rep. Sherrill, we hope that through this you have learned of the immense importance personal privacy holds in a free society. Should you be elected Governor this November we ask you to remember this ordeal and use your power to ensure that all New Jersey residents’ data is protected, regardless of whether the offenders are criminals or government officials. As for Jack Ciattarelli, we find it very telling that you have not spoken out against this obvious breach of privacy. One would think that someone who has run for Governor so many times would have more empathy and respect. Do better, not just for yourself but for the people you so desperately want to govern.
In Liberty,
The New Jersey Libertarian Party