Bucco says the report confirmed the allegations and urges Caldwell to resign or face legislative action
Senate Republican Leader, in a press statement
“It is deeply disappointing that today’s report has confirmed and substantiated the ethics complaints and harassment allegations against Lt. Gov. Caldwell. This situation has gone on for far too long, and if he doesn’t agree to resign, the Legislature should follow the necessary protocols to resolve this matter once and for all.”
Source and context
Official statement
About this source
Press statement from the New Jersey Senate Republican Leader issued after the report was published, reproduced by InsiderNJ.
Reporting
About this source
New Jersey Globe's report on the Republican legislative leaders' reactions to the report, including Senate Republican Leader Bucco's statement and Assembly Republican Leader DiMaio's criticism of the Governor's handling of the matter.
Before the quotation
In early September Bucco had said Caldwell should temporarily step down from his duties, and on September 10 he and the Assembly Republican Leader asked the Democratic legislative leaders for a bipartisan select committee.
After the quotation
The statement says Caldwell served as acting governor 18 times while the allegations were under investigation, says the Secretary of State's office matters with an election less than two months away, and suggests reexamining the position of Lieutenant Governor.
How this statement is classified
Responding to: Lt. Gov. Caldwell's resignation is "necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents" because the investigation substantiated serious, repeated violations of state policy.
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
Relative to the report's findings and the call for Caldwell's resignation, Bucco treats the findings as confirming the allegations and presses for Caldwell's departure, by resignation or legislative action. That is express criticism of the conduct and support for removal, so condemns applies.
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- Dale Caldwell
Should Dale Caldwell resign as New Jersey's lieutenant governor after the investigation's findings?
Explore the case context, sources and public responses.
More from this case
Read the full case“The investigation found that the Lieutenant Governor engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office. I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so. … These violations substantiated in the investigation reflect a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this Administration. The ethical lapses persisted despite multiple warnings and trainings. The substantiated finding of sexual harassment is extremely troubling. … As a former federal prosecutor, I’m committed to ensuring everyone is treated fairly. This investigation was thorough and impartial. It was initiated by the Chief Ethics Officer and conducted by a respected former state Attorney General. … The Lieutenant Governor’s resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents.”Read statement
“This unnecessarily protracted and one-sided process lacked the requisite due process that should be afforded every citizen of this state … The Lieutenant Governor was not provided a meaningful opportunity to address each of these anonymous allegations or offer readily identifiable witnesses who possessed more pertinent, first-hand knowledge of the events in question. … The most serious finding involves an allegation that Dr. Caldwell made an inappropriate comment during a car ride. Dr. Caldwell categorically denies making that statement. … There is a meaningful difference between making a good-faith error when analyzing the regulations and deliberately using public office for personal benefit. … The Lieutenant Governor participated in the investigative process faithfully to the limited extent permitted, expecting a genuine truth-seeking inquiry. Unfortunately, the report twists seemingly benign phrases, such as ‘executive presence,’ to imply improper motive; relies heavily and unduly on the anonymous complainant’s perceptions, characterizations, and multi-layered hearsay; and disregards the testimony of staffers who did not share those views, as well as the Lieutenant Governor’s own account.”Read statement
“I was the contact with the Lieutenant Governor's office, and I received an email informing me that guests would be attending. I also received a phone call from members of his staff regarding the space that would be needed. So when I hear the suggestion that Dr. Caldwell simply "showed up with guests," I believe that characterization deserves to be questioned. The investigation and public discussion should include the people who actually organized and coordinated the event. … Dr. Dale Caldwell deserves a fair hearing, just as anyone else would.”Read statement