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Democrat New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday after an independent investigation substantiated sexual harassment and ethics violations against him, Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced.
“The investigation found that the lieutenant governor failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office, and he demonstrated a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this administration,” Sherrill said during a news conference in Trenton. “The report documents serious, repeated violations of state policy, including ethical lapses and a substantiated finding of sexual harassment.
“I gave the lieutenant governor until today to resign. He submitted his resignation to me this afternoon, which I accepted.”
NEW JERSEY GOV MIKIE SHERRILL CALLS ON LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TO RESIGN AFTER SEXUAL HARASSMENT INVESTIGATION
Sherrill named state comptroller Shirley Emehelu as acting secretary of state, a role Caldwell also held. Sherrill said filling the post immediately was critical with the midterm elections 39 days away.
“It is of paramount importance that our elections run smoothly, and that New Jerseyans have confidence in the officials overseeing them,” Sherrill said.
Sherrill had given Caldwell until Friday to resign.
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The report found Caldwell told a female staffer that “you young women are looking for young sperm” after she told him her younger friend was not interested in a romantic relationship with him.
Investigators concluded the remark constituted sexual harassment and found Caldwell’s denial that he made it was not credible.
Caldwell previously denied wrongdoing, calling the allegations false and misleading and saying he believed the facts would exonerate him.
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