New Jersey Governor Demands Lt. Gov. Caldwell Resign After Harassment Finding

By Andrew Powell (/journals/andrew-powell)

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is calling on Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign by Friday after an independent investigation substantiated a sexual harassment allegation and two ethics violations involving Caldwell, the state's second-highest-ranking official. According to Fox News, an investigation found Caldwell made a sexually charged comment to a female staffer after she told him that a younger friend of hers was not interested in a romantic relationship with him. Investigators concluded the remark constituted sexual harassment and found that Caldwell's denial that he had made the statement was not credible. The employee told investigators that she later tried to create distance from Caldwell at work and avoid traveling with him when possible. Sherrill announced the demand for his resignation Thursday, saying the sexual harassment finding was “extremely troubling.” She said the investigation showed a pattern of conduct that continued despite warnings and training. The probe also substantiated two ethics violations. Investigators found Caldwell brought personal guests to ticketed events without obtaining the required ethics clearance or paying for their admission, despite receiving training and warnings about the rules. The report said Caldwell continued the practice even after he was formally notified of the investigation. One such incident occurred May 23, a day after he received notice of the probe. Investigators also found Caldwell used his state email account to recommend a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship for a leadership position in another executive branch department. He referred to the woman as “my friend” while forwarding her résumé and letter of interest, without disclosing their relationship, according to the investigation. Caldwell denied the allegations in a May response to investigators, calling them false and misleading. He also denied pursuing women while conducting official state business and said he expected the investigation to clear him. The investigation began after the state's chief ethics officer received an anonymous complaint in May alleging inappropriate behavior toward women and ethics violations. Caldwell was formally notified of the investigation May 22, according to the state report. Sherrill said Caldwell's resignation was necessary and in the interests of New Jersey residents. She also referenced President Donald Trump in her statement, saying she would not accept a culture in New Jersey that “sweeps misconduct under the rug.” The investigation was conducted by an outside law firm and commissioned through the governor's office. Watch the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU8XLUgMzfQ