Legislative leaders agree Caldwell had to resign, split over Sherrill’s handling

New Jersey’s four legislative leaders agreed Friday that Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell needed to resign following an independent investigation that substantiated allegations of sexual harassment and ethics violations, but divided sharply over Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s handling of the controversy.

Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin praised Sherrill for acting swiftly and holding members of her administration accountable.  Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco and Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio said Caldwell’s departure was only a first step and demanded greater transparency about what the governor and her campaign knew.

Scutari said Caldwell made the right decision.

“It is a privilege to serve the people of New Jersey, and all public servants entrusted with the responsibilities of government must hold themselves to the highest standard,” Scutari said.

“Lt. Governor Caldwell’s resignation is the right thing to do following Governor Sherrill’s independent investigation,” he said. “Continued service would hinder the effective execution of the duties assigned to the Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State. Stepping down is in the best interests of our residents and the integrity of public office.”

Scutari commended Sherrill for her “commitment to transparency and accountability” and said state officials must now refocus on the challenges facing New Jersey.

“Holding public office is not only a profound honor but also an equally important responsibility to the people of New Jersey,” Coughlin said.

“Following an independent investigation, Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell was right to resign from office today,” he said. “We must ensure the work of governing is uninterrupted and that serving the people of New Jersey remains a top priority.”

Coughlin said he supports Sherrill’s “commitment to hold public officials to the highest standards” and her efforts to resolve the matter quickly.

Bucco called Caldwell’s resignation “an unfortunate but necessary first step to eliminating another distraction in the Sherrill administration,” but said significant questions remain unanswered.

“When were these allegations first discovered, who in the administration knew and at what time, and how exactly were the allegations handled?” Bucco asked.

Bucco demanded the release of all records, reports and internal communications related to the allegations and the investigation, with minimal redactions.

“But now that the Lieutenant Governor has agreed to resign, there is no reason to hide behind secrecy,” Bucco said. “The public deserves full disclosure.”

DiMaio focused his criticism on Sherrill’s vetting of Caldwell and called for the governor’s next choice for lieutenant governor to appear publicly before legislative committees.

“Caldwell’s resignation was necessary,” DiMaio said. “It does not erase Gov. Sherrill’s failure to vet the man she chose to stand one heartbeat from the governorship.”

DiMaio noted that Sherrill has 45 days to appoint Caldwell’s replacement and argued that she still has not explained what her campaign knew about concerns involving Caldwell before the election.

“To avoid another disaster, Sherrill should ask her choice to appear publicly before Senate and Assembly committees,” DiMaio said.  “The appointment does not require legislative confirmation, but after Caldwell, the governor cannot expect New Jerseyans to simply take her word that she got the vetting right this time.”

Middlesex County Sheriff Mildred Scott, the chair of the Middlesex County Democratic Organization’s Black Caucus, also supported Caldwell’s resignation.

“The findings in the investigative report into his conduct were disturbing and unethical, and Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell was right to resign,” Scott said. “As an elected official, and member of law enforcement for decades, I understand the importance of going above and beyond to protect the public trust. We must hold ourselves to the highest possible standards.  I applaud the Governor and her administration for their handling of this investigation.”