Chaos in Trenton.
Governor Mikie Sherrill called on Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign on Thursday night after a 61-page investigative report determined he engaged in “serious, repeated violations of state policy,” including behavior that “constituted sexual harassment,” according to Sherrill.
The first-year Governor gave Caldwell until Friday to step down voluntarily. Here’s the catch: Sherrill doesn’t possess the power to fire Caldwell under NJ state law. If he refuses to resign, impeachment in the Legislature is the next option—a lengthy, mostly un-tested process.
In a statement, Sherrill was clear: “The lieutenant governor’s resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents.”
What the Report Says
The report was ordered by Sherrill’s office in May after allegations surfaced outlining Caldwell’s inappropriate behavior with women. However, it wasn’t until three weeks ago that the complaints became public.
Some of the most eye-popping findings include a “young sperm” comment made to a staffer after a romantic advance was rejected, bringing guests to ticketed events without ethics clearance while in office, and an attempt to secure a promotion for a staffer he was secretly dating.
You can read the full report here.
Caldwell is Silent
Caldwell has been noticeably quiet since Sherrill’s call for his resignation on Thursday. Thomas Calcagni, the attorney representing Caldwell, disputed the findings. “This unnecessarily protracted and one-sided process lacked the requisite due process that should be afforded every citizen of this state,” Calcagni said in a statement.
The investigation has cost the state around $50,000 so far, according to NJ.com. But for Sherrill, it’s about the responsibility of the office. “I hold everyone in my Administration to the highest ethical standard. We all have a duty to follow our state ethics and harassment policy and our Code of Conduct. Anyone who violates these will be held accountable,” she said. “I know that jobs of public trust impact the lives of everyday people, and I deeply respect the oaths and responsibilities of these positions.”
The timing and breadth of Sherrill’s statement suggests a possible refusal on Caldwell’s part. As of Friday morning, he remains in his position, despite calls from the top for his resignation.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
