NJ Gov. Sherrill calls for lieutenant governor to resign after probe

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill called for Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign after a report released Sept. 24 detailed state ethics violations and alleged that Caldwell sexually harassed a subordinate.

Sherrill said in a statement accompanying the report that Caldwell's resignation "is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents."

The report said there was credible evidence Caldwell made a "romantic advance toward a female staffer’s friend" and made a lewd comment when he was rejected. It found that the comment "had the effect of unreasonably interfering with the staffer's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment."

Further, the report notes Caldwell brought personal guests to ticketed events without clearance and without payment or reimbursement, even after multiple trainings and discussions on the ethics rules and code of conduct. It also states there is "credible evidence" that Caldwell tried more than once to promote a state employee he had a romantic relationship with.

The report adds that "several witnesses said they heard that the LG was looking for a 'first lady,' purportedly in connection with a potential future candidacy for governor" and that staffers interpreted comments about "executive presence" and having "one on…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/