New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell Resigns After Ethics Investigation

New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell has resigned after a state ethics investigation found what it described as serious and repeated violations of state policy.

The investigation substantiated a finding of sexual harassment. According to its findings, Caldwell made a romantic advance toward a friend of a female staffer and, after being turned down, made sexually inappropriate comments about that person to the staffer. Investigators also described a pattern of approaching women at events while traveling on taxpayer money, handing out official business cards while asking women on dates, and trying to secure promotions for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship.

Reactions

Gov. Mikie Sherrill said she holds everyone in her administration to the highest ethical standard. Sen. Andy Kim said New Jersey residents deserve public servants who work to earn and keep their trust.

Caldwell's attorney, Thomas Calcagni, said the resignation did not lessen their outrage over the report and pledged to challenge its findings forcefully.

Election oversight

In addition to serving as lieutenant governor, Caldwell was New Jersey's secretary of state, the official responsible for overseeing elections. With the midterm vote just weeks away, Gov. Sherrill is expected to appoint an interim secretary of state to run the election process.

Sources: ABC News