New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill urged Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign after a Sept. 24 report found credible evidence of a romantic advance toward a staffer’s friend and a lewd remark after rejection, plus ethics violations. His lawyers deny the allegations.
The report said Caldwell brought personal guests to ticketed events without clearance or payment or reimbursement, despite repeated ethics training and discussions. It also cited credible evidence he tried more than once to promote a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship. Several witnesses said they heard Caldwell was seeking a “first lady,” purportedly in connection with a possible future run for governor; staffers interpreted remarks about “executive presence” and “one on each arm” as referring to their appearance.
Caldwell’s representatives said the report’s conclusions went further than the evidence supported and denied he made the lewd remark. They said he did not receive due process or a meaningful opportunity to answer anonymous allegations or offer identifiable witnesses with more firsthand knowledge. The probe began after an anonymous letter was sent to the state’s chief ethics officer in May and was conducted by former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino.
