New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has called for Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell’s resignation after he was accused of inappropriate conduct towards women.
Sherrill on Thursday night released the findings of an investigation into allegations made against Caldwell, saying he “engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office.”
“I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so,” Sherrill said in a statement.
Thomas Calcagni, counsel for Caldwell, said the evidence presented from the investigation does not support the findings. Calcagni’s statement made no mention of the call for Caldwell to resign.
“Dr. Caldwell believes that a fair review of the complete record will show that the conclusions reached in the report go far beyond what the evidence establishes,” Calcagni said.
Sherrill’s statement comes three weeks after the New Jersey Globe disclosed that Sherrill’s administration was conducting an internal investigation of the claims. The investigation has been going on since May, BINJE learned.
Caldwell, 66, is New Jersey’s fourth modern lieutenant governor, and the first man in that job. A Methodist pastor and former college president, Caldwell ran as a joint candidate on Sherrill’s ticket and took office this past January.
“A violation of the Workplace Policy is substantiated,” the report says. “Credible evidence shows that the LG made a romantic advance toward a female staffer’s friend.”
The report also found two violations of state ethics rules.
“First, credible evidence shows that the LG brought personal guests to ticketed events without advance ethics clearance and without payment or reimbursement…Second, credible evidence shows that the LG attempted on multiple occasions to secure a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship.”
Caldwell has denied the claims, and supporters have defended him and challenged the allegations. He has made numerous public speaking appearances and served as acting governor many times since the investigation began.
Until now, Sherrill has not spoken publicly about the allegations, and Caldwell has not had any public events since the Globe’s Sept. 4 report on the investigation. Several lawmakers have blasted Sherrill for a lack of transparency and called for the release of the investigation report. Some have called on Sherrill not to travel out of state so that Caldwell could not serve as acting governor while the investigation was ongoing.
Because Caldwell is an elected official, Sherrill cannot fire him. He can be removed from office by resignation, death or legislative impeachment, according to the state constitution.
