New Jersey governor presses lieutenant governor to resign over conduct findings

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has intensified her effort to remove Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell from her administration after an investigation found that he behaved inappropriately around women. Sherrill gave Caldwell until the end of Friday to resign, seeking to end a scandal that has placed pressure on her administration weeks before midterm elections. She had called for his resignation on Thursday after receiving the findings of a law firm she hired.

The governor said Caldwell committed serious and repeated violations of state policy despite warnings and training. She scheduled a news conference at the State House in Trenton to address the matter. Caldwell has disputed the allegations and shown no indication that he intends to leave office voluntarily.

His lawyer, Thomas Calcagni, said Caldwell categorically denied making a reported remark to a staff member’s friend. The lawyer acknowledged that Caldwell recommended a woman he was dating for a promotion but denied that he ordered anyone to promote her. The law firm’s report said Caldwell made an advance towards a staff member’s friend and attempted to secure a promotion for a state employee with whom he was involved.

It also said he brought personal guests to ticketed events without paying as required by ethics rules. Sherrill cannot simply dismiss Caldwell because New Jersey’s lieutenant governor is independently elected. The Legislature can impeach and remove him, while the governor can strip him of duties and responsibilities.

Caldwell, a Methodist pastor and former president of Centenary University, is also secretary of state and oversees elections. Republicans have criticised Sherrill’s handling of the matter, including her allowing Caldwell to act as governor while the investigation was under way.